Whiter teeth is something that many people in the world desire today. A set of sparkling white teeth adds to our smile, it also protects us from unwanted tooth decay and gum problems. We also have to know why some people get yellow in the first place. There are several factors that play a part, including genetics, what kind of food and drink you consume, and how well you practice oral hygiene.
The enamel and dentin is what play the biggest role in color. Certain food and drinks will directly stain the enamel, yes, but over time the two biggest culprits are the nasty food and drink that actually break down the enamel, and weakening enamel as we age. As the enamel breaks down, it reveals the yellow dentin underneath. Also, If you like to smoke, then you may have noticed brown or yellow stains appearing on your teeth.
There are natural ways to get rid of yellow teeth, continue reading to find out..
1.Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Paste
Baking Soda isn’t a shocker here. Sodium bicarbonate (its official name) is mildly abrasive; gently scrubbing away surface stains to return teeth to a whiter shade. It’s also very alkaline (the opposite of acidic) so I would think if you have a very acidic mouth or eat a lot of acidic food, it could help balance out the Ph, which would be useful as acid breaks down enamel-this is strictly speculation on my part. It will also reduce the acidity of the lemon juice, which acts as a natural bleach of sorts. I use a mixture of baking soda and water on some days, and use the lemon juice on others, as I don’t want to overdo it.
What you need
-Several teaspoons of baking soda
-Enough lemon juice or water to form a paste
-A toothbrush
Directions;
– Mix several teaspoons of baking soda with enough fresh lemon juice (or water) to make a paste.
– Wipe your teeth and any extra saliva off of them with a paper towel.
– Put a good amount of paste onto your toothbrush and apply.
– Leave the paste on for 1 minute, then rinse, so as to avoid the acid effecting enamel.
– If you are using just water you can leave it on for up to 3 minutes.
2. Coconut Oil
This sounds strange but rinsing your mouth with coconut oil (called ‘oil pulling’) is a unique, old, remedy that people swear by to help whiten teeth. It doesn’t sound like the most pleasant thing in the world, but I actually don’t mind the taste, and I think it does make a difference in the color of your teeth. It won’t make a difference by “bleaching” per say, but lauric acid in coconut oil can rid your teeth of bacteria found in plaque that can make them yellow. It is also supposed to promote gum health, and help keep your breath fresh.
What you need
-About a tablespoon of coconut oil
Directions;
– In the morning, before you brush your teeth, scoop out a tablespoon or a little less (depending on the size of your mouth) of coconut oil.
– You can either soften it, or just put it in your mouth (I usually do the latter, and just let it soften.) Push, swish, and “pull” the oil through and around your teeth for 10-15 minutes, then spit it out, rinse with water, and brush your teeth.
3. Strawberry, Salt and Baking Soda Scrub
Strawberries are high in Vitamin C, which can help break-down plaque that is causing your teeth to look yellow. It also has an enzyme called malic acid, which may help to remove surface stains. The salt acts as an abrasive portion of the paste, physically scrubbing away stain-causing gunk, and the baking soda is an extra touch that you can choose to leave out if you’d prefer (I just like to add it to anything involving my teeth.)