27 Feb Natural Teeth Whitening: Keep Teeth Sparkly all Year Round
The color of your teeth can make a huge difference in how you feel about your smile. When you look in the mirror you’d probably rather not see a yellow hue reflecting back. Because we know how important it is to you, at Hicks Dental Group in Prescott, we want you to feel confident about your smile. In our last post, we talked about at-home whitening vs. professional whitening. Today we will look at some natural teeth whitening tips that you can use in conjunction with either of these options.
Natural Teeth Whitening
The best way to ensure your smile stays bright and white is to avoid staining in the first place. However, we understand this isn’t always realistic so here are some tips for natural teeth whitening at home:
1. Food.
Eating certain foods can actually help keep your smile sparkling all year round. Here are a few of them:
- Apples. Apples have a high concentration of malic acid, which boosts saliva production, keeping bacteria at bay and removing stains from the teeth. When you chew on a crunchy apple, this also helps scrub the teeth clean.
- Pineapple. Pineapple contains a compound called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties.
- Cheese. Many of the foods and drinks we consume this time of year are highly acidic. Cheese is actually alkaline. So snacking on cheese in between sips and bites of acidic treats can help to cut the acid. This will reduce your risk of tooth decay.
- Strawberries. Strawberries also contain malic acid, as well as ellagitannins. These are antioxidants that can help reduce stain-attracting bacteria and inflammation in your mouth. Strawberries have the added benefit of Vitamin C, which can help prevent gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
2. Baking soda.
Brushing with baking soda can gently polish away surface stains because it acts as a mild abrasive. If you’re worried about it wearing away the enamel, this 2017 study found it safe for removing stains. Baking soda may also help to fight bacteria which leads to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
To brush with baking soda, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with the paste. You can do this a few times per week. Be aware that baking soda doesn’t contain fluoride, so you will need to continue using your regular toothpaste as well. Also, be sure to brush gently and only use it in moderation.
3. Hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching compound that also fights bacteria. Many commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, but they contain a much higher concentration. There aren’t any studies looking at the effects of rinsing or brushing with hydrogen peroxide alone, but several studies have shown that toothpastes containing peroxide are extremely effective at whitening teeth.
To try this home remedy, use 1.5% hydrogen peroxide. Most products available at drug stores are 3%, but you can dilute the solution so that it is equal parts water and peroxide. Diluting it will help prevent enamel loss and GI irritation. You can use it as a mouthwash or you can mix 2 tsp of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tsp of baking soda and brush gently. Again, be sure to use this no more than a few times a week.
Teeth Whitening in Prescott
If you have further questions about natural teeth whitening or if you need advice on the best ways to whiten your teeth, please let us know at your next appointment. At Hicks Dental Group in Prescott, we offer professional teeth whitening services, as well as other cosmetic dental services, to ensure your smile stays bright and sparkly all year long!
Image by Rachel Scott from Pixabay