Yellow or brown teeth can cost you your confidence and willingness to smile every day. Some people sees you as someone who poorly cares about hygiene when the appearance of your teeth is yellowish or brownish in colour.
The colour of one’s teeth is one of the instruments people use in detecting the degree of one’s cleanliness and carefulness. Possession of yellow teeth is capable of throwing you into the pit of discomfiture; hence the need to employ any safe option that can brighten your teeth.
The enamel, which is the outermost layer of tooth is responsible for the white nature of the tooth. Enamel is naturally white and its whiteness surrounds the tooth in its entirety. Any form of discolouration could be as a result of erosion or wearing of enamel. Discolouration can also erupt when the surface of enamel is covered with an antagonizing colour induced by stain and colour in food we consume.
The dentin is the part of tooth next to the enamel, it is naturally yellowish in colour. When the enamel wears away as a result of various unfavourable factors influencing it, the dentin would surface, which is one of the reasons why the tooth’s colour appears to be yellow in some cases.
There are many causes of teeth discolouration. Few of them are;
poor intake of diet. This includes consuming lots of processed foods high in acid, including soft drinks/soda, candies or sometimes even certain fruits. Even some supplements can worsen enamel thinning due to their acid content.
Smoking. Tobacco contains a poisonous substance known as nicotine, nicotine causes tooth’s discolouration. Poor dental hygiene, such as inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash to remove plaque and stain-producing substances like coffee and tobacco can cause tooth discoloration.
Regular intake of beverages like coffee and tea is one of the most common causes of yellow teeth. Red and white wine also causes teeth discolouration. Other culprits include dark and light sodas and sports drinks with artificial flavoring.
Consumption of sugary foods. A diet high in sugar supports the growth of streptococcus mutans bacteria, the primary type of bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis. Some tooth discoloration is caused by enamel eroding away and exposing the dentin underneath, which is yellow in color. Therefore, anything you do to strengthen the enamel of your teeth will help keep your teeth pearly white.
Apart from the aforementioned causes of teeth discolouration, there are other causes too. Though, the article is aimed at figuring out the natural ways of whitening one’s teeth.
With so many options available for whitening discolored teeth, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed about the colour of your teeth. Who doesn’t want to have a beautiful smile with white, sparkling teeth? But what are the best ways to whiten one’s teeth?
I think the catalogue below would help to answer your question.
I think the catalogue below would help to answer your question.
1. Coconut Oil.
This method is known as oil pulling technique. Coconut oil (which i singlehandedly nicknamed as herbal oil due to its ability to heal various health maladies) contains lauric acid, which can help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Lauric acid attacks harmful bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, coconut oil is a good antiseptic agent that helps to remove stain and plaque from one’s teeth. Using coconut can help to whiten your teeth as time goes by. It is also advisable to use this method at most thrice a week.
2. Baking Soda.
Baking soda is popularly used as an ingredient in commercial toothpaste due to the fact that it has the ability to get rid of teeth discolouration.
Baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing and reproducing. One study found that toothpastes containing baking soda were significantly more effective at removing yellow stains from teeth than standard toothpastes without baking soda.
This method works slowly, but you would notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth as time goes by. Moreover, the higher the concentration of baking soda, the higher the effect on your dental domain.
Though it has not been scientifically proven that brushing with plain baking soda will whiten your teeth, but several studies shows that toothpaste with baking soda has a significant whitening effect.
3. Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide.
This sounds strange but works like magic. Though it is not recommended for people who are careless. The use of heavily diluted hydrogen peroxide appears to be safe, while strong concentrations or overuse can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
There’s also concern that high doses may cause cancer, but this has not been proven. Diluted hydrogen peroxide brightens one’s teeth when used cautiously. Thus, you have to ensure the concentration is not beyond 1%. Diluting with excess water is necessary before usage to avoid regret. You can use it as a mouthwash or mix it with baking soda to form a whitening toothpaste.
Research also shows that hydrogen peroxide keeps breath fresh by eliminating bad bacteria due to acting as a natural antiseptic/antibacterial agent.
4. Lemon or orange peel.
This method requires gentle application, because the acid content of orange and lemon peel can wear away the enamel on the teeth if used too aggressively. Lemon or orange peel removes plaque and stains too. If used cautiously can lighten one’s teeth.
To use this approach, dry either an orange or lemon peel. Grind it to form powder and add it in mini quantity to toothpaste. Don’t use this method beyond three times per week and stop as soon as you notice a positive difference in the appearance of your teeth.
I advise you take good care of your teeth, because the state of your teeth matters a lot.
Regular brushing and flossing can help your teeth stay white by reducing bacteria in your mouth and preventing plaque build-up.
Toothpaste gently rubs out stains on your teeth, and flossing removes bacteria that lead to plaque. Regular dental cleanings can also help your teeth stay clean and white.
Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese and broccoli, may help protect your teeth from enamel erosion.
Minimize the rate of sugary food you consume. If you are a smoker, try to avoid smoking. And above all, always contact your dentist for frequent dental evaluation and help.
Disclaimer: This article is not from a certified dentist but a mere researcher and writer. The aforementioned remedies erupted as a result of deep research. Kindly contact a professional dentist for any dental problem. Nevertheless, the remedies above are useful and could be helpful. Thus, using any of them under the consent of a dentist would be great and better.
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