How do you whiten your teeth

Acidic foods can make the teeth look yellow by wearing down the enamel. People who are concerned about the color of their teeth should avoid the excessive consumption of citrus, coffee, and soda. Alternatively, they should always brush their teeth after having them. Dentists generally recommend waiting 30 minutes after eating before brushing the teeth. Acids can weaken the enamel, so brushing too soon can cause damage.

Quitting smoking or tobacco products can reduce the risk of nicotine stains. It can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can damage the enamel and cause oral health issues.

Oil pulling is the term for washing the mouth with oil to remove dirt, bacteria, and debris. It is not a substitute for regular brushing or flossing, but some research suggests that washing the mouth with certain oils may help to whiten the teeth. Baking soda can gently polish away stains on the surface of the teeth. Some people worry that baking soda is too harsh and may grind away enamel, but research from found it to be a safe way to remove stains.

Baking soda may also help to fight bacteria, which suggests that it may be able to reduce plaque and prevent tooth decay. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth. For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1—2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally.

Hydrogen peroxide may increase tooth sensitivity, so it is not suitable for long-term use or for people who already have sensitive teeth. Papain and bromelain, which are enzymes that occur in papayas and pineapples respectively, may both help to whiten teeth. A study found preliminary evidence that solutions containing these ingredients could offer modest whitening effects. However, the authors of the study caution that more research is necessary to determine whether or not these enzymes are effective.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the most important thing that a person can do to reduce tooth yellowing. The outer layer of teeth consists of enamel, which is colored almost white and protects the deeper tooth structure. Do so for about three minutes and see the results for yourself. It is another home remedy to whiten your teeth considerably, from the comforts of your own home.

Take some teaspoons of baking soda in a small plate. Now squeeze some fresh lemon juice into it. Keep adding the lemon juice until you have a fine paste. Now wipe your mouth to get rid of the extra saliva from your teeth. Next, take your toothbrush and apply a layer of the paste on your teeth. Let the paste sit on your teeth for a minute and rinse it out. Do not leave it longer than that, as it will affect the enamel of your teeth.

Many commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, although at a much higher concentration than you will use. Unfortunately, no studies have investigated the effects of rinsing or brushing with hydrogen peroxide alone, but several studies have analyzed commercial toothpastes containing peroxide. While heavily diluted concentrations appear safe, strong concentrations or overuse can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. One way to use hydrogen peroxide is as a mouthwash before you brush your teeth.

Make sure you are using a 1. You can easily dilute this concentration to 1. Another way to use hydrogen peroxide is by mixing it with baking soda to make a toothpaste. Combine 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and gently brush your teeth with the mixture.

Limit the use of this homemade paste to a few times per week, as overuse can erode your tooth enamel. You can buy hydrogen peroxide online. Summary Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent and can kill bacteria in your mouth. You can use it as a mouthwash or mix it with baking soda to form a whitening toothpaste. Whitening your teeth with a strawberry and baking soda mixture is a natural remedy that has been made popular by celebrities. Proponents of this method claim that the malic acid found in strawberries will remove discoloration on your teeth, while the baking soda will buff away stains.

While strawberries may help exfoliate your teeth and make them appear whiter, they are unlikely to penetrate the stains on your teeth.

A recent study found that a strawberry and baking soda mixture produced very little color change in teeth, compared with commercial whitening products Despite studies showing that a strawberry and baking soda paste had a minimal effect on tooth enamel, excessive use could cause damage 27 , To use this remedy, smash a fresh strawberry, combine it with baking soda, and brush the mixture onto your teeth.

Some claim that pineapple can whiten teeth. A study found that a toothpaste containing bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, was significantly more effective at removing tooth stains than a standard toothpaste Summary Certain fruits may have properties that help whiten teeth.

Regularly consume raw fruits and vegetables to help rub off plaque and keep your teeth looking bright. Coffee , red wine, soda , and dark berries are infamous for staining teeth. If possible, drink beverages known to stain teeth out of a straw to prevent direct contact with your teeth. Moreover, brush your teeth roughly 30 minutes after consuming one of these foods or beverages to limit their effects on the color of your teeth.

If you want whiter teeth, cut back on your sugar intake. A diet high in sugar supports the growth of Streptococcus mutans , the primary type of bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis 30 , Some tooth discoloration is caused by enamel eroding and exposing the dentin underneath, which is yellow.

Therefore, anything you do to strengthen the enamel of your teeth will help keep your teeth pearly white. Calcium-rich foods , such as milk, cheese, and broccoli, may help protect your teeth from enamel erosion Summary A healthy diet with enough calcium can help prevent your teeth from becoming yellow. Brushing your teeth soon after you eat can also help prevent stains. Regularly brushing and flossing can help your teeth stay white by reducing bacteria in your mouth and preventing plaque buildup.

Toothpaste gently rubs out stains on your teeth, and flossing removes bacteria that lead to plaque. There are a few other natural teeth whitening methods, but there is no scientific evidence to prove that they are safe or effective.

Advocates of these methods claim they make teeth significantly whiter, but no studies have evaluated their effectiveness.