As we grow older, it is sadly inevitable that our teeth will become discoloured and yellow. This is because, as the outer enamel peels away, the yellowish dentin underneath becomes visible. This is one of the reasons our teeth appear yellow as we age.
While yellowish teeth are a natural, though unwanted occurrence, fortunately there many options for safe teeth whitening. This can restore yellowed teeth to a white, bright smile and help reverse the signs of aging.
Solutions for Whitening Your Teeth
From professional teeth whitening with your dentist, to home teeth whitening products, there are also easy home remedies you can try to help restore a brighter smile.
For an affordable option from the comfort of your own home, we do recommend home teeth whitening kits which are safe and easy to apply yourself. And even with your newly whitened teeth, you’ll want to keep that bright smile for as long as possible with these recommended best practices. So, take a note and start some new, useful home habits. Your teeth will thank you!
Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily
With busy lives, we sometimes overlook the importance of brushing our teeth on a regular basis, or brushing for long enough. To make your teeth look whiter, you should brush your teeth more often, at least twice a day, and do it thoroughly.
You should consider brushing your teeth after eating and drinking foods that can make your teeth particularly yellow over time, such as coffee, wine, and sugary foods. You can also try whitening toothpaste to help brighten and enhance your smile.
Try Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
To help remove stains, prepare a paste made with baking soda and food grade hydrogen peroxide. The mixture should be 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. You can use this paste to brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly with water afterwards. Try a small amount to begin, and see how you find it. You can also buy toothpaste which contains baking soda and peroxide to whiten teeth and get rid of stubborn teeth stains.
Rinse with Coconut oil
The use of coconut oil to gargle the mouth is known to remove plaque and bacteria, and also helps to whiten teeth. Carefully shop for a high quality coconut oil that has no harmful ingredients. Gargle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid coconut oil in your mouth for a few minutes. Avoid swallowing the oil.
Tip: afterwards, spit the oil into the toilet or waste basket as it could clog your drains. Rinse your mouth with water and drink a glass of water. Then, brush your teeth as you normally would.
Try Apple Cider Vinegar as Mouthwash
For another mouthwash alternative, prepare a mixture of 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water and use it as a mouthwash. Swish in your mouth for 30 seconds. Rinse with water and brush your teeth. Apple cider vinegar is known to have a bleaching effect on teeth.
Rub Lemon, Orange or Banana Peel on Teeth
Rubbing lemon, orange or banana peels on the surface of the teeth are believed to help make teeth whiter. These particular fruit peels are known to contain the compound d-limonene or citric acid which acts as a natural bleach to help whiten teeth. After rubbing your teeth with these peels, make sure to thoroughly rinse and brush your teeth afterwards.
Use Activated Charcoal
It’s known that activated charcoal helps remove stains and discolouration on the teeth, as well as toxins and bacteria in the mouth. Its highly absorbent properties can remove pigments and heavy stains too.
You can also purchase toothpaste that has activated charcoal in it. Just be careful of the abrasive qualities of activated charcoal, and always read the label carefully.
High Water Fruits and Vegetables
While refreshing to eat, consuming watery fruits and vegetables can make your teeth healthy and rid the teeth and gums of plaque and bacteria that can lead to yellowing teeth. Also, crunchy vegetables and fruits help to increase saliva production which helps remove food particles that become stuck in the crevices of the mouth.
Home Teeth Whitening
At Premier Smile, our mission is to provide our clients with the best teeth whitening Melbourne wide, in our clinics and at home. Take a look at our range of high quality home teeth whitening kits and services, or book a consultation today at your nearest dentist to seek treatment advice from one of our experts. A brighter smile is right around the corner.