Stained teeth can be a major self esteem downer. Having white teeth is very important in our society today – which is why so many people turn to whitening strips or to professional teeth whitening treatments at the dentist. However, applying a concoction of chemicals to your teeth is not so healthy.
If your pearly whites are not so pearly and white here are some DIY natural remedies to get a bright smile
1. Here’s how your teeth get brown and how you can stop that from happening:
It is important to realize the culprits of why teeth get stained in the first place.
- In our desi culture it is common to drink chai or coffee multiple times a day. Unfortunately, these drinks can really stain your teeth and make them yellow. It is important to brush your teeth after consuming such beverages.
- Smoking cigarettes is another major cause of stained teeth. Smoking causes teeth to have more dental plaque and causes gum disease.
- Acidic foods
- Excessive antibiotic use
- Thinning tooth enamel as you age
- Sugary/Processed Foods
2. Coconut Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a remedy that is known to improve oral hygiene and remove toxins from your mouth. To oil pull, put 1 tablespoon of room temperature coconut oil in your mouth and swish it through and around your teeth. Continue swishing for 15 minutes.
3. Bananas
While this may be a very lethal banana, usual ones are actually very healthy.
The inside of a banana peel can be used to whiten teeth. After you brush your teeth, peel a ripe banana and rub the inside of the peel on your teeth for two minutes and rinse. Banana peels are rich in potassium, magnesium, and manganese which are absorbed by your enamel and can whiten your teeth.
4. Strawberries
Strawberries contain malic acid, which can be used to dissolve stains and discoloration from coffee, tea, or cola. Mash one or two strawberries with a fork and add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Use a toothbrush to rub the mixture on your teeth for about five minutes and rinse.
5. Mooli / Daikon Radish
Mooli, otherwise known as Daikon Radish, contains potassium, copper, vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese which can aid in teeth whitening. To use, mix together one tablespoon of mooli juice, one tablespoon of tomato juice, and one tablespoon of yogurt. Use a toothbrush to rub the mixture on your teeth, leave on for 10 minutes and rinse.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda has natural whitening properties and can help scrub away stains on teeth. It creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing. To use, mix together one teaspoon of baking soda with water to make a paste and brush your teeth with the paste. Rinse as usual.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Be careful with using this one, though, because excessive use of Apple cider vinegar without mixing it with anything else can ruin your teeth and scrape off the tooth enamel that keeps your teeth from falling off.
Apple cider vinegar works as a natural antibiotic and an excellent teeth cleanser. It is able to remove all kinds of stubborn stains and discoloration on your teeth (especially from tea and nicotine). To use, dip your toothbrush in apple cider vinegar and brush for 2 minutes. Rinse and brush your teeth with your normal toothpaste.
To get whiter and brighter teeth, what do you do?