There are
several causes of tooth discoloration, including:
- Foods/drinks. Coffee, tea,
colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables (for example, apples and
potatoes) can stain your teeth.
- Tobacco use. Smoking or
chewing tobacco can stain teeth.
- Poor dental hygiene. Inadequate
brushing and flossing to remove plaque and stain-producing substances
like coffee and tobacco can cause tooth discoloration.
- Disease. Several diseases
that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the
underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration.
Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For
example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth
discoloration. In addition, certain infections in pregnant mothers
can cause tooth discoloration in the infant by affecting enamel
development.
- Medications. The
antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to
discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing
(before age 8). Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and
cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth. Antihistamines (like Benadryl),
antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure also cause
teeth discoloration.
- Dental materials. Some of
the materials used in dentistry, such as amalgam restorations,
especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can cast a gray-black
color to teeth.
- Advancing age. As you age,
the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets worn away, revealing the
natural yellow color of dentin.
- Genetics. Some people have
naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.
- Environment. Excessive fluoride either
from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or
from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and
fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.
- Trauma. For example, damage from a fall can disturb enamel formation in young children whose teeth are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult teeth.
We always
try to seek for some professional treatment for whitening our teeth. A lot of
money and time is wasted in these medical surgeries and treatments. Instead of
spending money in buying teeth whitening products, you can have a sparkling
smile just by giving some time to use these natural, easy, and quick home
remedies for whitening your teeth. These natural teeth whitening recipes are
not only pocket-friendly, but also effective.
Remedies for Teeth Whitening
1. Baking
Soda
Baking soda
is considered to be the best ingredient used for treatment of discoloured
teeth. Put two tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of cold water. Stir the
solution well. Now use the solution as a whitening solution. Rinse your mouth
two or three times a day with this home-made mouthwash. It will reduce the
stains for sure.
Instead of
preparing a mouthwash, you can also use it as toothpaste. Dilute some baking
soda. Scrub your teeth with the diluted soda for a few minutes. Follow this
process twice or thrice a week to get glittering teeth.
Note-
Excessive use of baking soda can damage your enamel.
2. Lemon
Lemon is
known for its immune-boosting power, antibacterial, and healing properties.
Lemon is not only used for skin diseases, but also used for whitening teeth.
Take out the juice of lemon and mix it with some water. Rinse your mouth with
this water.
Else, scrub
your teeth directly with lemon peel to make them white.
Another way
is to add some salt in a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture on stained
teeth. Now, rub toothpaste over your teeth and gums. Leave it for a few
minutes. After sometime, rinse your mouth with normal water. Practice it twice
a day to prevent teeth from yellow stains.
3.
Strawberries
Strawberries
are rich in Vitamin C. It acts as a natural cleanser. Take 2-3 strawberries;
crush them to form a paste. Rub the paste on your teeth, gently. For best
results, practise it two times a day for a few weeks.
You can also
add half teaspoon of baking soda in the strawberry paste. Spread it onto your
teeth and leave it for a few minutes. After rinsing your mouth thoroughly,
brush your teeth with toothpaste to remove the remains.
4. Holy
Basil (Tulsi)
Holy basil
is also a natural remedy for whitening teeth. It can not only whiten your
teeth, but also provide relief from several gum problems, like bleeding gums.
Put some basil leaves in direct sun. When it gets dried, crush them to form a
powder. Use it for regular brushing.
Alternatively,
take some tulsi leaves; crush them and mix with mustard oil. Apply the paste on
teeth. Orange peel powder can also be used in place of mustard oil.
5. Apples
Apple helps
in increasing the production of saliva. It also helps in maintaining a fresh
and clean breath. Eat one apple a day to remove stains from teeth. It is to be
kept in mind that apple should be chewed properly in order to extract malic
acid. The fibres help in removing the stains.
6. Salt
Salt is the
easily available ingredient at home. It is considered to be the best dental
cleansing agent for teeth whitening. It helps in refilling the lost minerals of
teeth and regain whiteness. Salt can be used as a tooth powder to clean
teeth.Salt can also be used with charcoal to whiten teeth.You can also add some
salt with baking soda and rub it carefully on teeth to reduce the yellow
stains.
Note- Salt
is harmful for gums and enamel. Do not use it roughly.
7. Charcoal
Activated
charcoal is used to remove impurities from water. Powerful crystals of charcoal
are used for whitening teeth. Mix some charcoal powder with regular toothpaste.
Brush with it carefully two times a day.
Instead of
charcoal, ashes of burnt rosemary and bread can be also used.
8. Margosa
(Neem)
Margosa
twigs can be used in the form of toothbrush. Chew branches of margosa for
removing yellow stains and prevent teeth problems. It helps in maintaining
proper health of teeth. It is known for antiseptic and astringent properties,
which help in curing dental cavities and bad breath.
Mix some
margosa oil with regular toothpaste. Gently use it to brush your teeth.
9. Orange
Peel
Orange peel
possesses calcium and Vitamin C, which fights against micro-organisms present
in the mouth. It is also effective for whitening the teeth. Rub orange peel
directly on teeth, every night.
Dried orange
peel powder can also be used in place of fresh orange peel.
10. Hydrogen
Peroxide
To get rid
to yellow teeth, hydrogen peroxide can be used as an effective remedy. Use a
mouthwash, which contains hydrogen peroxide, in order to remove yellow stains
from teeth.
Take some
baking soda and mix it with little hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Use this
paste for brushing your teeth.
Note- Do not
swallow hydrogen peroxide while gargling. You also need to use it with caution
to protect teeth from getting sensitive.
11. Banana
Peel
Banana is
rich in nutrients. In fact, banana peels also possesses minerals, like
magnesium, manganese, and potassium. These minerals are helpful in penetrating
into teeth and whiten them. Rub the banana peel on teeth for 2 minutes. Leave
it for 15 minutes. After that, brush your teeth with normal toothpaste. Repeat this
process for two or three times a week.
12. Crunchy
Carrots
Raw carrots
are a natural cleanser. Chewing raw and crunchy carrots help in clearing plaque
from teeth. Carrot helps in maintaining acid-alkaline balance in the mouth,
which kills bacteria. Similarly, cucumber, celery, and broccoli also help in
whitening the teeth.
13. Raisins
Raisins help
in increasing the production of saliva. Raisins should be consumed daily as it
helps in scrapping off plaque. It also prevents the formation of plaque.
14. Cheese
It is very
strange that cheese can also be used as teeth whitening element. According to
various researched sources, consuming a piece of cheese after meal helps to
promote teeth re-mineralization and prevent teeth decay.
15. Milk and
Yogurt
Milk and
yogurt are rich in phosphorus and calcium. These minerals help in promoting
re-mineralization of tooth enamel. They help in maintaining cavity-free and
sparkling teeth.
16.
Sugar-free Gum
Sugar-free
gums, made with Xylitol, are also used for whitening teeth. According to a
research, Xylitol is a natural sweetener, which fights against plaque and helps
in reducing bacteria in the mouth. It also increases the production of saliva
and neutralizes pH levels in the mouth.
17. Oil
Pulling
Oil pulling
is basically used to improve the oral health. Take one tablespoon of oil
(sesame, coconut, sunflower, or olive). Rub it gently on teeth for 20 minutes.
After rubbing, rinse your mouth. You can also gargle with oil to cover all
corners of your mouth. After that, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with
clean water.
18. Banyan
Roots
Roots of the
banyan tree are also used for whitening teeth. The aerial roots of the banyan
tree act as a disposable toothbrush. You are required to chew the roots of the
banyan tree. These roots possess astringent properties, which are helpful to
whiten the teeth.
19. Citrus
Fruits
Citrus
fruits help in generating saliva, which helps in whitening the teeth in a
natural way. Lemon, pineapple, and oranges are some of the common citrus
fruits.
Note: Over
consumption of citrus fruits can damage the tooth enamel.
20. Brush
and Floss
Regular
brushing and flossing of teeth is important for good oral hygiene. Flossing
helps in maintaining healthy gums. Dentists have recommended flossing to be a
significant activity for protecting your teeth from staining. You are required
to floss two times a day to prevent teeth discoloration.
21. Bay
Leaves
Take some
dried bay leaves. Crush them and mix with an equal amount of dried orange peel
powder. Add some water to make a paste. Rub the paste directly on the teeth.
You can also use this mixture in dry form.
22. Apple
Cider Vinegar
To brighten
up your smile, you can use apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is used not
only as a whitener, but also to kill germs, affecting the teeth. To whiten your
teeth, start gargling with apple cider vinegar.
Note: Do not
use it frequently; otherwise, it may damage your enamel.
23. Dark
Chocolates
Here is an
interesting fact for chocolate lovers. Dark chocolates are effective for
whitening your teeth. These are rich in theobromine, a substance which helps to
harden and whiten the surface of teeth.
24.
Whitening Strips
One of the
most easiest and convenient methods to prevent teeth discoloration is to use
teeth whitening strips. These strips are very thin and coated with peroxide
gel. They are easily available in the market. You are required to wear it for a
few minutes in a day. If it is used continuously for a few days, effective
results are visible.
25.
Alcohol-free Mouthwash
No doubt,
mouthwash helps in cleaning the mouth, but, most of the mouthwashes available
in the market have excessive alcohol. Alcohol can dry out the tissues in the
mouth and attracts bacteria. According to some studies, alcohol can increase
the risk of oral cancer. So, be careful while selecting a mouthwash! Always
pick an alcohol-free mouthwash.
26. Peelu
Plant Fibers
Powder of peelu
plant fibers can be used in the form of toothpaste. This non-abrasive powder
helps in natural whitening of teeth.
27. Aloe
Vera
Aloe vera is
also considered to be effective teeth whitening solution. It fights against the
infecting bacteria and acts as a cleansing material. It is effective against
cavities and root canals. For its usage, you have to mix aloe vera with
vegetable glycerin to form a paste. Add some baking soda to it. Use the paste
for cleaning the teeth.
28. Turmeric
Turmeric is
also used as teeth whitening agent. Take some turmeric and roast it. Crush it
into powder and add some salt and lime juice to it. This mixture can be used
for whitening the teeth. It also keeps the gums healthier.
29. Rinsing
the Mouth
It is one of
the most ignored home teeth whitening remedies. A proper rinsing of mouth helps
in cleaning the mouth effectively. Rinsing helps in preventing teeth from discoloration
due to caffeinated drinks and sugar sodas. One should immediately gargle or
swish mouth with water to remove the residual food.
REMEMBER
By making a
few simple lifestyle changes, you may be able to prevent teeth discoloration.
For example, if you are a coffee drinker and/or smoker, consider cutting back
or quitting all together. Also, improve your dental hygiene by brushing and
flossing regularly and getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 6
months.
If your
teeth appear to be an abnormal color without ready explanation and, if other
symptoms are also present, make an appointment to see your dentist.