About Diy Teeth Whitening
Teeth yellowing usually occurs due to staining or enamel thinning. The latter is the layer that’s naturally almost white. It protects your teeth’s structure. The layer beneath it, called the dentin, is what darkens your teeth. Anything from acidic foods to gum disease can wear it down.
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So can age. Some people also have naturally thinner enamel. The wearing down of the enamel is also known to be one of the many long-term side effects of bulimia.
Some foods and coffee can also wear down the enamel. So can some antibiotics and tobacco.
Fortunately, even if you’re concerned about OTC whitening products, you don’t need to just live with the discoloration.
Many over-the-counter and online whiteners are pricey and can contain toxic chemicals that bleach your teeth. This has become an increasing concern to many people. The topmost harmful ingredient in those products is sodium chlorite. This has been known to soften and cause abrasions to the teeth. As a result, many whitening kits containing more than 33 percent of hydrogen peroxide have been pulled off the market. They were causing a lot of complications, from mouth infections to gum shrinkage.
Experts warn you to exercise a lot of caution about any whiteners you buy online or over-the-counter. Some manufacturers are notorious for high levels of hydrogen peroxide but also for putting banned ingredients into their products. You probably don’t want to put that kind of price tag on your teeth and your overall health.
Not to fret. Fortunately, there are ways in which you can whiten your teeth without spending a lot of money and without harsh chemicals.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is just abrasive enough to remove teeth stains and contains alkaline, which prevents bacteria growth. Our ancestors used it before modern toothpaste was invented.
Baking soda doesn’t produce whitening effects overnight by itself. However, it is known to show a significant difference over time. Studies have also shown that toothpaste containing baking soda tends to be better at removing plaque and whitening.
If you want to try brushing with baking soda by itself, mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water is all it takes.
Small Amounts of Hydrogen Peroxide
Using about one to three percent of peroxide can actually help whiten your teeth. For example, toothpaste that contains baking soda with one percent peroxide is effective at whitening teeth. So can using up to three percent of peroxide as a mouthwash.
It’s still recommended to use it just a few times a week to avoid the side effects mentioned above. Overuse can also lead to enamel erosion.
You can also mix a DIY toothpaste of two teaspoons of peroxide with one teaspoon of baking soda.
Other DIY Whitening Tips:
- You can add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one teaspoon of baking soda for toothpaste. You can also make a mouthwash out of it by adding it to six ounces of water. Again, don’t expect your results to be instantaneous. However, you should notice a significant difference within a few weeks.
- The research isn’t conclusive. However, so far, the lauric acid in coconut oil and peppermint leaves is effective at removing stains. As a bonus, the mint freshens your breath. Again, the results are not immediate. However, it’s safe to manipulate the measurements until you find one that works for you.
- Charcoal is very abrasive and good at removing stains on your teeth. You can add a dab to your toothbrush and brush in a circular motion. However, be careful with your gums and don’t brush too hard.
- If your teeth are sensitive, you can dab a small amount of charcoal directly on them and leave it on for about two minutes. You can also make a mouthwash out of it by mixing the charcoal with a small amount of water and then swishing it for two minutes. Brushing too often and too hard with charcoal can wear away your enamel and make your teeth look less structured. As a result, it’s best to use charcoal once to a few times a month.
- Some fruits can help as well. For example, papain and bromelain can be found in fruits, such as pineapples. Some studies have suggested that those agents help with teeth whitening. However, they have cautioned that more research is needed. If you want to go radical, you can avoid everything from blueberries to coffee, which stains your teeth. However, I wouldn’t recommend depriving yourself, especially if it’s good for your health overall.
Overall, the best thing you can do to keep your teeth healthy is to maintain good oral hygiene. That includes brushing and flossing twice a day. Also, be sure to get the gums, backs of the teeth, and tongue. Most dentists still recommend fluoride toothpaste.
Author: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding health or finances. It is not intended to endorse any individual or company. This article is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should consult a qualified professional for personal advice.
