There are multiple factors that cause teeth to become dull and lose their bright, white sparkle.
Certain foods can stain your enamel, which is the outermost layer of your teeth. Additionally, plaque build-up on your teeth can cause them to look yellow.
This type of discoloration can usually be treated with regular cleaning and whitening remedies.
However, sometimes teeth look yellow because the hard enamel has eroded away, revealing the dentin underneath. Dentin is a naturally yellow, bony tissue that lies underneath the enamel.
Here are 4 simple ways you can naturally whiten your teeth.
1-Use baking soda
Baking soda can be used to effectively whiten teeth in the space of a few minutes! This is due to the fact that baking soda is a mild abrasive which helps to scrub stains from your teeth.
To use, wipe your teeth with a dry towel and any remaining saliva. wet your toothbrush and dip it in some baking soda. Then brush your teeth as normal, paying special attention to the 16 visible teeth at the front. You should brush for about three minutes.
Be aware that, over time, baking soda can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use this treatment everyday. Stick to using it once or twice a week for whitening results without the risk of damage.
2-Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a disinfectant and natural cleaning product.
Acetic acid, which is the main active ingredient in apple cider vinegar, effectively kills bacteria. The antibacterial property of vinegar is what makes it useful for cleaning your mouth and whitening your teeth.
One study performed on cow teeth found that apple cider vinegar does have a bleaching effect on teeth. However, they also found that vinegar may soften the teeth.
The acetic acid in vinegar has the potential to erode the enamel on your teeth. For this reason, you should not use apple cider vinegar every day. You should also limit the amount of time that apple cider vinegar is in contact with your teeth.
To use it as a mouthwash, dilute it with water and swish it around in your mouth for several minutes. Make sure to rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards.
3-Use hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to bleach your teeth, making them whiter. It is completely safe to use, provided you avoid swallowing it.
One way to use the hydrogen peroxide is to dip a clean face cloth in the liquid, then use the soaked cloth to gently rub your teeth. The hydrogen peroxide will remove stains chemically, while the cloth will help to remove them physically.
Alternatively, you can rinse out your mouth with a cap full of hydrogen peroxide (which also helps to kill bacteria and freshen breath) or dip your toothbrush in the hydrogen peroxide and use it to brush your teeth.
4-Avoid eating or drinking items that could stain your teeth
If you need to keep teeth looking white, it's a good idea to avoid certain foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, black tea, red wine, grape juice and curry.
If you do drink any of the above-mentioned beverages, you can prevent them from staining your teeth by drinking them through a straw, or by rubbing a light layer of Vaseline over your teeth beforehand.
Alternatively, you can chew a stick of sugar-free whitening gum after eating or drinking these items. This can help to absorb any newly-formed stains, making your teeth look whiter.