A set of pearly white teeth is the ideal look for a perfect smile. However, exposure to various foods and beverage stain the teeth, which loses their white color. The following are the causes of teeth stains and home remedies for bringing back the whiteness of the teeth.
Causes of Teeth Stains
Teeth staining have several causes. According to My Cleveland Clinic, these include foods and drinks like coffee, tea, wine, cola, fruits, and vegetables; smoking; poor dental hygiene; certain diseases and treatment like head and neck radiation and chemotherapy; pregnancy; medications like doxycycline and tetracycline; dental materials like sulfide materials in amalgam restorations; aging; genetics; environment; and trauma.
Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening
Going to the dentist is one way towards a set of white teeth. Along with this action, the following are home remedies for whitening the teeth.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing the teeth remain as one of the basic remedies to counter teeth stains. According to Dr. M.S. Sidhu, as cited by Food NDTV, one should brush his teeth two times a day for about two minutes each, adding that the brush has soft or medium bristles that do not damage the gums. Brushing cleans up the flat teeth surface while flossing removes the particles between the teeth.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Baking soda and lemon juice are two agents that can white the teeth. According to Everyday Roots, sodium bicarbonate is mildly abrasive, so mild scrubbing of the teeth surface leads to a whiter shade. Baking soda also has an alkaline pH, allowing it to neutralize the acid level of the mouth. This way, it will be able to prevent the break down of the teeth enamel due to the acid in the mouth. Lemon juice is acidic in nature, which is also abrasive. Hence, the combined alkaline and acid natures of baking soda and lemon juice will help a person have whiter teeth.
To perform, baking soda is mixed with fresh lemon juice or water to make a paste. Next, the person wipes his teeth and the extra saliva off with a paper towel. Then, he puts a good amount of paste onto the toothbrush and applies it on the teeth surface. The paste is left on for a minute, before it is rinsed to prevent corrosion in the enamel.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables serves as another teeth whitening remedy. According to Natural Society, these food choices act like natural toothbrush, as the simple act of chewing removes excess food and bacteria from the mouth, in addition to scrubbing away the stains on the teeth surface. Along with the removal of food particles and bacteria due to the texture of the fruit or vegetable, they also contain acids that keep the teeth whiter. Examples of crunchy fruits and vegetables are apple, carrots, and celery.
Orange Peel
Aside from regular brushing of teeth with a toothbrush, teeth whitening can also be achieved with the use of an orange peel. Fresh orange peel decreases the yellow tinge that accumulates on the teeth. To do the remedy, the person rubs the orange peel over the teeth every night before going to sleep. As per the publication, the peel has vitamin C and calcium, which fight the microorganisms throughout the night. This can be done for several weeks to see noticeable result.
A set of white teeth brings the best smile to people. Due to teeth staining secondary to factors like food and drinks, it is best to regularly go to the dentist.
