What Causes Your Teeth To Look Yellow?
Before we share with you at home remedies that can help you whiten your teeth, it is important to understand what causes them to turn yellow. There are various factors that cause your teeth to look dull and lose their bright white sparkle.
First, plaque build up can cause your teeth to look yellow. But also some foods can stain your enamel which is the outermost layer of your teeth causing them to look yellow. This type of discolouration can be solved with regular cleaning and whitening.
However teeth can have a yellow appearance because the hard enamel has eroded away, revealing the dentin. Dentin is a natural yellow bony tissue that lies underneath the enamel. This type of discolouration can be more difficult to treat.
Now let's talk about the 7 simple ways to whiten your teeth at home.
1.Oil Pulling
Oil Pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy to improve oral hygiene. The tradition involves rinsing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria, which can turn into plaque causing your teeth to look yellow.
Any type of oil can work for this practice. A common oil that is used is coconut oil due to it’s pleasant taste and other benefits it offers.
A primary type of bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans that causes plaque and gingivitis has been seen to be reduced when swished with oil daily. Results began to be seen in as little as a week. Many people claim that their teeth become whiter and brighter after regular oil pulling. This is a safe practice and can be found right in your kitchen, so it is definitely worth a try.
To oil pull put 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around your mouth. Be sure to pull it in and out of your teeth while swishing to ensure it covers your entire mouth. Continue the oil pulling for 15-20 minutes.
2.Brush With Baking Soda
You might have heard this before, to use baking soda when brushing teeth. Did you know that it is a popular ingredient found in many commercial toothpastes.
It’s a mild abrasive that can help remove stains from your teeth. It also creates an alkaline environment in your mouth to prevent bacteria from growing.
It’s important to note that this change doesn’t happen overnight. But with continuous use you will notice a difference in your teeth over time.
To use this remedy, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with a paste that is formed. This should process should be repeated 2-3 times a week.
You can buy baking soda at your local grocery store.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
People have been using hydrogen peroxide for years to disinfect wounds because of its ability to kill bacteria. In addition it has a natural bleaching agent making it a good resource to whiten your teeth and kill bacteria in your mouth.
Many commercial teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, although at a much higher concentration than you will use.
One way to use hydrogen peroxide is by using it as a mouthwash before you brush your teeth. Another way to use it is by making a paste by mixing it with baking soda. Combine 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and gently brush your teeth.
Limit the use of hydrogen peroxide to a few times a week as it can erode your enamel if used too frequently.
4.Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider has been used for ages as a disinfectant and natural cleaning products. The main ingredient, acetic acid effectively cleans bacteria and this property is useful for cleaning your mouth and whitening your teeth.
As with hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid has the potential to erode your enamel. For this reason we do not recommend using it every day but limiting it to a few times per week.
To use it as mouthwash, dilute it with water and swish it in your mouth for a couple of minutes. Make sure to wash your mouth with water after you are finished.
5. Fruits and Vegetables
While these fruits and vegetables are no substitute for brushing, crunchy raw fruits and vegetables can help rub plaque away as you chew.
Specifically, strawberries and pineapple are 2 fruits that have claimed to help whiten your teeth.
Strawberries contain an active ingredient called malic acid that will remove the discolouration on your teeth. It can be used in combination with baking soda which will buff away the stains.
To use this remedy smash up the strawberry and mix it with baking soda. Then brush the mixture on your teeth.
6. Prevent Tooth Stains Before They Happen
Your teeth naturally turn yellow as you age. But we are going to share some tips on what you can do to prevent stains.
Limit Food & Drink Staining
Red wine, berries, soda, coffee are infamous for staining your teeth. We aren’t telling you to completely avoid them (having a coffee every morning doesn’t have to change) .
But try and avoid contact of these substances with your teeth. If possible, try and drink dark beverages out of a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. It is even better that after you consume one of these foods/ drinks to brush your teeth right away to limit their effects of staining your teeth.
Limit Sugar In Your Diet
Cut back your sugar intake, if you want whiter teeth. A diet with high sugar causes the Streptococcus mutans the primary type of bacteria causing plaque and gingivitis.
7. Don’t Underestimate The Value Of Brushing And Flossing
As we mentioned above some tooth discolouration can come with age, but it is mainly due to plaque build up. Regular brushing and flossing can help remove bacteria and preventing plaque build up, which will help to keep your teeth white.
Flossing removes the bacteria that can turn into plaque while toothpaste helps to rub off the stains on your teeth.
Regular dental cleanings are also important to ensure your teeth stay healthy and white.
At Body & Soul Clinic we offer a professional teeth whitening service to help you achieve your pearly white smile in no time.
If you have more questions about our Teeth Whitening services in our Vaughan or Toronto location, we would love to help!
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Find out more at www.bodyandsoulclinic.ca