Are you wondering whether there are ways to lighten the shade of your teeth at home? Many people believe that those that seek to whiten their teeth must visit the dentist for a check-up or invest in teeth whiteningtreatment. As dentistry has advanced, numerous ways have been uncovered where you can whiten your teeth at home without visiting the dentist.
Whilst this doesn’t mean you should never visit the dentist; it is now not the only solution to whiten teeth. Of course, visiting the dentist has many other benefits, not to mention recommendations to look after your teeth at home.
If you’re feeling anxious about your smile and are keen to try your hand at whitening your teeth, consider the following options if you want whiter teeth at home.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste. Not only is fluoride supportive in protecting your teeth from decay and cavity, but it also makes enamel stronger, reduces any acid attacks and as a mild abrasive, helps to lighten the shade of your teeth. The extra ingredient to whiten teeth is hydrogen peroxide. Although, ensure that the toothpaste you select contains low concentration levels, such as 0.1%. This is because high levels of hydrogen peroxide can damage the enamel over time.
Dietary Choices
What are you eating at home? Discolouration in teeth typically occurs from the food and drink that you consume. Dark food and drink such as red meat, dark fruits, wine, sodas and coffee are all common culprits of discolouration on teeth. Therefore, consider eliminating foods that stain teeth such as these, and replace them with clear, calcium-rich food and drink. This includes drinking water, eating vegetables, fish, milk, cheese and nuts. Read more about dietary choices for whiter teeth here.
Practice Oil Pulling
Oil Pulling has been uncovered as a new tried and tested method to improve oral hygiene by removing bacteria caused by plaque. Plaque causes bacteria to build, exposing the dentin making teeth form a yellow colour. Oil pulling involves adding 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in the mouth and push and pull the oil through the teeth. This should be done for 10 to 20 minutes. The oil must not touch the back of the throat and neither should it be swallowed. Rinse the mouth once you spit it out.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has also been proven to limit plaque build-up. It is recommended that a tablespoon of baking soda can be mixed with water to form a paste. The paste can then be brushed around the teeth. Brush the paste around teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes. This will assist in removing stubborn stains and lightening the shade slightly.
Good Oral Hygiene
Ensure you do not neglect basic oral hygiene! Continue to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep food particles off teeth and to avoid plaque build-up. The above tips should not be used as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Ensure after a meal that you rinse your mouth with water to keep your mouth clean from food debris.
If you’re losing confidence in your smile, using the above tips will surely change the way you feel about your teeth. Whilst these tips aren’t conditional or essential, they are helpful remedies that you can try without paying for cosmetic treatment. Although cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening are available, there is no harm in attempting these tips which have proven to deliver good results. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with the general dentist for scale-and-polish treatment. If you want to know more about the kinds of treatments available, click here for a breakdown.
Are you seeking to change your smile? Follow these tips above or you can check yourself in for cosmetic treatments. Contact us at Vineyard Dental today for a recommendation!
