As people age, it is not uncommon for their teeth to lose some of their whiteness and brightness. Fortunately, there are a host of in-home treatments and natural remedies that can help you to restore that sparkling smile. Here are four ways that you can safely whiten your teeth at home without breaking the bank:
Avoid Certain Foods and Habits
Although heredity and genetics largely contribute to the natural whiteness of your teeth, what you eat and drink also play a factor in how bright your teeth appear. Some of the biggest culprits include wine, coffee, and tea. These beverages wear down the enamel and cause teeth to turn yellow. Smoking and using other tobacco products also contribute to teeth yellowing. Avoiding these products or simply drinking the offending beverages through a straw can help to avoid unnecessary yellowing of the teeth.
Look into At-Home Treatments
Rapidly improving home whitening technology has made it easier than ever to give yourself a brighter smile from the comfort of your own home. There are a variety of places where you can find at-home DIY kits. Many dentists provide at-home kits, which are convenient and effective when customized. The costs of the kits vary greatly depending on the strength of the product and how long results are expected to last.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is defined as rinsing your mouth with natural oil products in an effort to remove bacteria, dirt, and other impurities. Although it is not a substitute for a regular brushing and flossing routine, oil pulling can work to brighten the teeth when practiced consistently. Good choices for oils include coconut oil and sunflower oil. After brushing the teeth, simply swish the oil around in the mouth and then spit it out.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda is a natural product that can remove stains from the surface of the teeth without causing long-term harm. The product also fights bacteria in the mouth, naturally freshening breath as it whitens teeth. Baking soda can be combined with hydrogen peroxide for even greater benefit. Mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together and brushing twice daily is a short-term solution to achieve whiter teeth. Just make sure not to do it too hard or too often or that can cause problems.
People who are self-conscious of their teeth should try one or more of these solutions. Experimenting with different treatments will help you to find the best solution for your specific teeth whitening needs.