How to Whiten Teeth: 9 Safe, Effective Ways to a Brighter Smile

Table of Content

• Try Storebought Whiteners
• Brush with baking soda
• How to prevent tooth stains
• Is there a substitute for brushing teeth?
• Prevent tooth stains before they happen

It can also help fight bacteria that cause decay and promote good bacteria that create a protective layer on your teeth. Stop brushing and rinse your mouth with cool water if you feel a burning sensation. Don’t use this method if you have receding or sensitive gums, as hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and damage exposed roots.

It kills bacteria in your mouth and can help freshen your breath! You should use it every time you brush your teeth or drink a sugary beverage . If you don’t want to use mouthwash, make sure you brush your teeth after every time you drink a sugary beverage. Also, remember that some mouthwash solutions recommend that you don’t eat or drink for a few minutes after rinsing. Many people use whitening strips and other bleaching products to make their teeth whiter.

Try Storebought Whiteners

According to Bhandal Dentistry, apple cider vinegar is also effective in whitening stained teeth. Use the paste to brush your teeth as you normally do – without toothpaste. Everyone loves a bright white smile, but making an appointment and going to the dentist can be hard. Sometimes it’s just easier to try and do it yourself at home.

It is advisable to use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash before brushing. More so, 1.5 percent or 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide is advisable to avoid side effects. Avoid brushing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide if you have braces or a permanent retainer. Remember not to brush with a mix of baking soda and lemon juice or other acidic substances.

Brush with baking soda

This is not a remedy that will whiten your teeth overnight, but you should notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth over time. A few studies have shown that daily oil pulling reduces bacteria in the mouth, along with plaque and gingivitis . However, sometimes teeth look yellow because the hard enamel has eroded, revealing the dentin underneath. Dentin is a naturally yellow, bony tissue that lies underneath the enamel . If you want whiter teeth but also want to avoid the chemicals, this article lists many options that are both natural and safe.

The most common concentration of hydrogen peroxide at the drugstore is a 3% solution. You can easily dilute this concentration to 1.5% by mixing equal parts peroxide and water. Additionally, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing .

How to prevent tooth stains

We all know that coconut oil is a miracle worker for our hair, but it turns out it can do your teeth some good, too. Swish for 15 to 20 minutes daily , and you'll begin to see results in as soon as a week. Many factors may contribute to teeth dullness, staining, and discoloration.

Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Don’t use any fruit juices on your teeth, as some DIY-whitening guides tell you to. Fruit juice is very acidic and can break down your tooth enamel. If you have any small cracks in your teeth, your dentist may advise against using whitening products.

You have to use it for a long time to see even the slightest effect. Dentists most commonly use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth. Certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications may cause the teeth to become darker. In addition, children exposed to certain antibiotics at a young age may experience tooth discoloration as adults. Acidic foods, gum disease, and aging can wear down tooth enamel.

Brush and floss your teeth if the instructions tell you to. This removes any buildup on your teeth that could block the whitening gel or stop the strips from sticking properly. Brush, floss, and rinse your teeth normally before attaching the strips. Activated charcoal is the newest home remedies super-kid thanks to its detoxifying effects but that, it seems, is not all it has to offer. According to Joseph Banker, a dentist based in new Jersey, the porous granules in activated charcoal helps to bacteria and other substances that stain your teeth. Gargle with the resulting solution and then brush your teeth with your regular fluoride toothpaste.

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. However, to try this method, rinse the mouth with oil for about 20 minutes after brushing, then spit it out. Coconut oil has long been claimed to clean your teeth and improve dental health.

Your tooth enamel will most often not be affected, but some studies show negative effects. Be sure to ask your dentist about using baking soda or whitening toothpaste that contains baking soda. Several reports have shown that commercial toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide is effective at whitening teeth. Keep in mind that brushing your teeth with baking soda should not replace brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste.