Everyone wants a captivating smile – and that means a smile with no yellow teeth. But it’s not easy to get those sparkling white teeth that are the envy of everyone who sees them!
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Teeth discoloration is a part of the aging process. Some lucky people manage to avoid it with regular brushing alone. But the rest of us, no matter how well we brush, will find our teeth getting more and more yellow over time.
One way to keep teeth extra white, of course, is to get the whitening treatments available at your dentist’s office. But that can get expensive, and it’s not actually necessary, because there are plenty of simpler, easier – and cheaper – methods that give you the same sparkling teeth.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Natural aging is the most common cause of tooth discoloration, but there are also many lifestyle factors which can contribute to discoloration of teeth. Here is a small list of them.
1. Drinking too much coffee or tea
2. Smoking
3. Chewing tobacco
4. Improper brushing and flossing
5. Drinking a lot of sugary drinks
Now, of course, if you stop the cause, your teeth will start becoming whiter again. Below are some easy teeth whitening home remedies.
Ten Simple Teeth Whitening Home Remedies
1. Baking Soda
This common kitchen ingredient can really help you brighten up those yellowish teeth. You can use baking soda in two different ways: as a mouthwash and as toothpaste. For mouthwash, mix baking soda with cold water and dissolve it completely. You’ll see the results after just a few days of gargling with this mouthwash! For toothpaste, mix baking soda and cold water to form a paste and scrub your teeth with it using your regular toothbrush. You can see the change in a week’s time. Of course adding a few drops of essential oils to your baking soda toothpaste ad mouthwash will give it a bit of extra benefit. The best oils to use are peppermint and clove oils.
Want o learn more about the benefits of baking soda: Here are 101 baking soda uses.
2. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Basil’s natural medicinal properties mean that, apart from giving you whiter teeth, it can also help relieve problems like swollen or bleeding gums. To use basil, sun dry the leaves, crush them to powder, and scrub your teeth with it. You can also use clean, fresh basil leaves to scrub your teeth, which gives the same effect.
3. Salt
Salt is probably the oldest teeth cleanser there is, and it’s the one thing on this list you’re absolutely certain to have in your home already! Simply dip your wet toothbrush in a bowl of salt, and then scrub your teeth with the salt grains that have adhered to the bristles. You’ll see the changes after a few days.
4. Oil Pulling
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5. Strawberries
Strawberries have been proven to make teeth whiter, and the effect is probably due to their high malic acid content. To get maximum whitening benefits, scrub your teeth with mashed strawberries twice a week for at least a month.
6. Charcoal
Charcoal is another time-tested way to clean and whiten teeth. You can grind charcoal into powder yourself, but it’s easier just to buy charcoal powder if it’s available in your area. Brush your teeth with this powder.
7. Tropical Fruit Peels
The peels of many tropical fruits (orange, lime, banana etc.) can be used to scrub teeth to whiteness. These peels are also rich in magnesium and potassium, which helps restore tooth enamel. Scrub them on your teeth for few days to see a significant change in color.
8. Apples
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9. Lemon Juice
Another very easy way to whiten your teeth is to use lemon juice. All you have to do is dip your toothbrush in a cup of lemon juice and brush your teeth. You’ll see the difference in few days. BE careful not to overdo this, as lemon juice could attack your enamel if used excessively
10. Neem twig
Neem twig is another teeth cleaner from India, one from the Ayurvedic tradition. The juice released from the twigs helps keep your tooth enamel healthy and your teeth white. Neem twigs also have excellent astringent and antibacterial properties, which means they’re great for controlling bad breath and maintaining gum health.
To use, clean a small neem twig and chew it for few minutes, swishing the juice around your mouth. One the twig loses its flavor and stops releasing juice, use it to scrub your teeth. Follow this program for a few days to see amazing results.
In extreme cases (where your teeth are as yellow as a sunflower!), it is best to go to a dentist for whitening sessions and then use the above mentioned remedies for maintaining tooth whiteness. But for most of us, these home remedies for teeth whitening will work like a charm to give a sparkling, lovely smile we’ll be proud to show.