How to Whiten Teeth, The Most Googled Question Regarding Oral Care

In the market, there are many kinds of toothpaste and products available which claim to bring back the lustre and shine of your pearly whites. But are they safe and easy to do?

What causes yellow teeth?

• The buildup of plaque can result in yellow teeth.
• Certain foods or acidic elements can stain the outer layer.
• Erosion of hard enamel can also result in revealing of the dentin, which is a yellow tissue present underneath.

Oil Pulling

Sticking to our Indian roots, oil pulling is a technique in which people swish oil in their mouth, sunflower, coconut, or sesame oil. The method is to put one tablespoon of any oil in your mouth and swish it through your teeth for 15 minutes. If using coconut oil, make sure to wait a few seconds to melt it as it turns solid at room temperature. This method is safe as it does not expose your teeth to acid or other ingredients that erode the enamel.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps in scrubbing away surface stains on teeth and also halts bacteria from spreading. Studies have suggested that toothpastes containing baking soda were more effective at eliminating yellow stains from teeth than toothpastes without baking soda. The more the amount of baking soda, the better.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a common bleaching agent that kills bacteria. Many people have been using this for decades to heal wounds as well. But the amount of hydrogen peroxide on your toothbrush is important to note, it should not exceed more than 2-3%.

Fruits

Raw crunchy fruits help in eroding away the plaque and should also be included in our diet for better health.

And last, never underestimate the value of brushing and flossing your teeth!