One of the first things people notice and remember about a person is their smile, so it's no wonder that people spend a lot of money to straighten and whiten their teeth. There are several over the counter remedies but few people know there are some simple recipes that you can make at home to help whiten teeth and brighten your smile.
First let's look at why your teeth stain over time.Your teeth are porous which means that there are microscopic holes in the enamel. Over time, these small holes fill up with plaque and food debris and leads to staining of the teeth. At fist this process isn't noticeable but over time your teeth will take on a yellowish hue. To revive your bright white smile those stains must be removed.
There are many over the counter teeth whitening pastes, rinses and strips. These remedies are often expensive and can cause irritation in the gums. Therefore some people prefer less potent and less expensive alternatives.
One of the most well known teeth cleansers is baking soda. Sodium barcarbonate is used in toothpastes and many common cleansers. It is mildly abrasive so it is very effective in removing debris from the mouth. When mixed with lemon juice, baking soda helps remove some staining from the teeth. Simply mix several teaspoons of baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Brush gently with a tooth brush and leave in the mouth for one minute. You can also use baking soda mixed with water if you don't have lemon juice. This can be applied and left on the teeth for up to three minutes
Another mixture that some have found useful in whitening teeth is a mixture of baking soda, salt and strawberries. Strawberries contain not only Vitamin C but malic acid, both of which can help break down plaque and remove stains. The salt is a mild abrasive just like the baking soda. To use: mash the strawberries into a pulp, mix in a pinch of sea salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda. Again use a toothbrush to apply to the surfaces of your teeth. Rinse off after five minutes.
A third method of whitening your teeth is a technique called oil pulling. Oil pulling is a technique where coconut oil is softened then swished, pulled and pulled around and through your teeth. This technique helps remove debris in difficult to brush areas and lowers bacteria in your mouth. Swish it around for ten to fifteen minutes, then spit it out and brush your teeth.
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While none of these techniques will brighten badly stained teeth, they can help improve lightly stained ones over a period of a few weeks. They can also help lower acidity levels and bacteria in the mouth--a key component of cavities.
For a brighter smile in less time, see your dentist, they have several inexpensive ways of brightening your smile. Many times results are seen after the first session although some repeat sessions could be necessary. For any other questions concerning your oral health, call or visit your health care professional.