Your trusted dentist in Greenville, SC will always be happy to treat your family’s discolored teeth – and it will be good for you to let him. You all need to see your dentist at least once a year, and visiting the clinic can do you more good beyond getting rid of stains.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take responsibility in keeping your teeth clean and white. Aside from your dentist, you are your best possible partner for family dental health.
Here are four natural teeth whiteners you can use in between trips to your Greenville, SC clinic.
Baking soda
Mix regular toothpaste with baking soda and use the solution for brushing. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps scrub off stains on the teeth’s surface, so you’re bound to see your teeth get lighter over time. For a more potent mixture, add two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide for every tablespoon of baking soda.
Baking soda is also known to help keep the mouth bacteria-free. However, you shouldn’t use it more than three times a week, as overuse could break down teeth enamel instead.
Apple cider vinegar
Did you think apple cider vinegar is just for cooking? You can also dilute it with water and turn it into mouthwash, letting its natural acid effectively bleach your teeth.
You can pair it with baking soda too so you won’t have to use hydrogen peroxide. Again, however, be careful and limit its weekly use.
Peppermint leaf with coconut oil
Coconut oil can decrease stains, and peppermint leaf can give it a nice aftertaste. That’s as far as current wisdom holds – studies are still inconclusive about this combination’s effects. Still, Colgate itself recommends it as an alternative, pointing out that that coconut oil is generally safer to use daily than acidic whiteners.
Fruity concoctions
You probably don’t want to give children baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. It’s something they might accidentally ingest – or would outright hate tasting. Luckily, a couple of fruity favorites can be combined with baking soda instead.
Strawberries are said to help wash off discoloration, due largely to its malic acid. Pineapples are also said to be a whitener, with one of its enzymes supposedly being better at removing stains than standard toothpaste.
For better overall health, though, you could skip turning these into toothpaste, and just eat them raw. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can also help scrub plaque off as you chew.
Sources:
7 Simple Ways to Naturally White Your Teeth at Home, HealthLine.com
How to Make Your Own Teeth Whitening Paste, Colgate.com
