Nothing ruins your day quite like looking in the mirror and seeing a less-than-white smile. Yellow teeth occur when your enamel becomes stained from things like coffee, tea, or cigarettes. To reclaim your pearly whites, you can schedule a somewhat costly visit to the dentist for regular whitening treatments, or you can try these simple, affordable whitening options at home.
- Oil Pulling. This method of tooth whitening started in traditional Indian culture as a way to remove toxins from the body. Today, oil pulling has become a popular way to whiten teeth. By swirling the oil around your mouth, you’re removing bacteria from the surface of your teeth, which can settle as plaque and cause your teeth to appear yellow. You can use a variety of oils, but sunflower, sesame, and coconut are amongst the most popular. While there isn’t any scientific proof that this method whitens teeth, it can help remove bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis, and thus, the appearance of stains.
- Charcoal Toothpaste. Products that feature activated charcoal have become something of a hot commodity. From face masks to shampoo and beyond, the beauty world has certainly embraced the benefits charcoal has to offer. Charcoal toothpaste is no exception! Not only will a charcoal toothpaste keep your breath fresher, it can also whiten your teeth by clinging to the surface of your teeth and removing the stains and plaque that have settled.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural cleaning product for centuries. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps to kill bacteria, making it useful for everything from disinfecting floors to whitening your teeth. If you decide to whiten with apple cider vinegar, be mindful of its erosive qualities. This method should not be used every day. When used to whiten teeth, be sure to dilute it with water and rinse your mouth afterward with fresh tap water to remove any residue.
- Regular Brushing & Flossing. Never underestimate the power of regularly brushing and flossing your teeth! This process helps to remove the bacteria build up in our mouth, which is the ultimate cause for those pesky yellow stains. Keep your breath fresher and your teeth whiter by flossing at least twice a day, if not after every meal.
While an excellent tan can help your teeth appear whiter, these tips and tricks will actually help to whiten your teeth. Keep your smile bright this summer with these tooth whitening tips!