There are so many natural teeth whitening that you can try to achieve that perfectly white teeth and sparkling smile. However, there are some natural teeth whitening remedies that can be dangerous to your teeth and health, while some can be very helpful
Below are some of the most common and proven natural teeth whitening methods:
Lemon juice
Add lemon juice when your brushing. Before brushing, deep your toothbrush in lemon juice rub lemon peel on your teeth. This is one of the most hazardous methods for your teeth despite being commonly practiced.
Lemons are really bad whitening agent. Lemon has citric acid that can rob your tooth enamel of calcium. Lemon juice can really cause damage to your teeth. The lack of calciuim in your enamel will cause your teeth to decay faster. It is really not a good idea to use lemon juice as part of your teeth whitening regimen.
Strawberries
Another misconception that eating strawberries can give you whiter teeth. Some articles even recommend mashing strawberries into a pasty pulp and then rubbing it on your teeth or use it as toothbrush. While it may taste good in the mouth, the acid in strawberries may cause your teeth more harm.
Strawberries contain maltic acid which can be harmful to your teeth and its seeds can damage your gums and teeth especially if you brush too hard. Follow it up with brushing or rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water if you decide to use strawberries on your teeth as whitener.
Crunchy vegetables
Eating crunchy vegetables like celery, carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers can be good to your teeth. These vegetables have properties that act like natural toothbrush to remove stains.
Wood ash (Lye)
Hardwood ash contains potassium hydroxide that is proven to be an effective bleaching agent and can whiten your teeth. However, wood ash has potassium that can harm the enamel in your teeth every time you use it. Besides, wood ash doesn’t really tastes good. While some people recommend that you use it regularly as a home remedy to whiten your teeth, we recommend otherwise and advise you to stay away from it.
Baking soda
Another popular home remedy of teeth whitening is brushing with baking soda and salt mixture. Your grandma maybe correct in recommending this because baking soda is effective in removing stains. You can add peroxide to achieve the best result. Baking soda also kills bacteria that can prevent the buildup of plaque and at the same time, reduces acid that can be harmful to your tooth enamel.
More importantly, baking soda is safe to use and is readily available. To prevent irritation, rub the baking soda gently around your gum.
Peroxide
Peroxide is used by many to whiten their teeth by gargling the chemical mixed with water. But over-the-counter peroxide is not as potent as the peroxide contained in many teeth whitening products.
For a quick result, brush your teeth with a regular tooth brush, then swish peroxide around your teeth, then rinse it with water to remove any after-taste. Peroxide may irritate your gums and cause tooth sensitivity, but it is generally safe.
There are many household items that can make teeth whiter. But some may work and some may not. With the knowledge of what works and what does not, you will know which option is best for you.
