Teeth Whitening 101: Home Remedies

Dentist Blog

A great smile comes with a great set of teeth. Discoloured teeth do not fit into the definition of great teeth. If you have yellow, brown or beige teeth, a visit to a qualified dentist is crucial. There, you will be provided with various teeth whitening solutions.  But before you make that visit, there are several simple home remedies you can try out.

Oil Pulling

Coconut oil can be an effective teeth whitener. You can whiten you teeth by simply applying the coconut oil after brushing your teeth. To achieve the best results, however, you should try oil pulling. Put a spoonful of the coconut oil in your mouth and swish for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can add the oil to your toothbrush and brush your teeth with it.

Hydrogen Peroxide

As an antibacterial agent, hydrogen peroxide is an essential ingredient in killing germs and keeping your mouth clean. Put half peroxide in half water and swish in your mouth for a minute. Rinse your mouth after the swish. Other than whitening your teeth, hydrogen peroxide keeps your gums germ free.

Lemon and Baking Soda

This is a good combination, with baking soda being an alkaline and lemon an acid. If used in isolation, the results may be less effective. For example, the high acidity of lemons can make the enamel on teeth wear out – if lemon juice is used aggressively. Baking soda reduces acidity of the lemon. To use this natural remedy, you should put several teaspoons of the baking soda in the lemon juice. Brush your teeth with this solution only once a week  to avoid wearing out the tooth enamel.

Crunchy Vegetables

You should make it a regular habit of eating crunchy vegetables such as apples, celery, carrots. These vegetables act as mild abrasives, removing stains and plaque. Chewing a carrot or any of these vegetables removes excess foods or bacteria from your mouth.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a natural antibiotic and can remove stubborn stains from your teeth. Apple cider vinegar contains magnesium, potassium, acetic acid, enzymes and probiotics, all of which kill bad bacteria and foster growth of good bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is best used as a whitener if the causes for your discoloured teeth include smoking and drinking coffee.

 If you try all of these remedies and they don't work out, then you should consider seeing an emergency dentist to receive emergency dental services.

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29 December 2016

Dental Health: Not To Be Taken For Granted

As a retired dentist, I work with charities which visit developing countries and educate children about dental care. It gives me great satisfaction to revisit these communities and see how proud the children are of their efforts. I am acutely aware that good dental hygiene can help prevent a range of serious conditions when these children become older. I started this blog because it greatly distresses me that many people in Australia do not seem to care for their teeth as much as children in these poor communities. This is happening despite ready access to items like toothbrushes and toothpaste which are luxuries in the places I visit. It is my hope that this blog encourages you not to take dental health for granted. My greatest wish is that you can be as inspired as the children I see in my charity work. Please read on and enjoy.