Whitening your teeth can not only make your smile look clean and bright, but it can give you a lot more confidence. But achieving and maintaining pearly whites can be easier said than done – over time, teeth can start staining unpleasant colors and leave your smile looking more dull, dirty, and faded.

Though it’s best to get your teeth professionally whitened by a professional, there are a few at-home solutions that can help you maintain the whiteness of your teeth. At-home teeth whitening has been becoming increasingly popular as people find new and traditional ways to get a brighter smile. Many of these methods can help slow down the process of teeth-staining and sometimes even reverse the process. Before you try out any DIY options for yourself, ensure you talk to a dentist before using any products, as the wrong product can damage your teeth.

Why Do Teeth Yellow?

Tooth discoloration can occur when the outer enamel, or the protective barrier, of your teeth wears down. Underneath the layer of enamel is dentin, a more yellow and brownish layer of your teeth. Over time, from either age, erosion, or wear and tear, the enamel can thin and expose some of the dentin. Genetics may also play a role in the yellow discoloration of someone’s teeth, though, as some people are born with thicker or thinner enamel, more yellow enamel, or the color of the dentin.

There are a number of contributing factors that can expedite the development of teeth yellowing. Some foods, drinks, and substances can be common culprits, like coffee, tobacco from smoking, tea, or starchy and sugary foods.

1. Oil Pulling

Though not a scientifically proven method for teeth whitening, as stated by the American Dental Association (ADA), oil pulling has been a traditional remedy in India for years. The process consists of swishing oil back and forth through your teeth in order to help remove bacteria, which turns into plaque and therefore dirtier-looking teeth. Though it won’t necessarily make your teeth whiter, daily oil pulling can be as beneficial as using mouthwash for maintaining good oral hygiene and the white appearance. People often use coconut oil for pulling because of its light, pleasant flavor and its ability to reduce inflammation and bacteria growth. 

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a classic at-home ingredient for cleaning, but it’s also commonly used for teeth whitening. Many people have found good results from creating a paste with baking soda and water and brushing their teeth with it. Since baking soda is mildly abrasive, it can help to scrub off unwanted plaque build-up and bacteria on the surface of the teeth. Additionally, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, protecting your teeth from bacteria.

The paste can have a very bitter, strong flavor, however, so this can be a turn off for many people. There also isn’t scientific proof for straight baking soda whitening your teeth. It is a common ingredient in many toothpastes, though, with studies showing that regular use of toothpaste with baking soda can lead to good results.

3. Diet Changes

Since a number of foods and drinks can lead to tooth discoloration, it might be the best option to eliminate some of them from your diet. Regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can often lead to stained teeth, so try to minimize how many cups you have in a day or week to help slow the yellowing process. Sugary and starchy foods can also create a hospitable environment for bacteria to grow. Try to limit consumption of these kinds of foods and brush your teeth thoroughly after eating them. Tobacco is also a common culprit for yellow teeth, so reduce use to maintain your teeth’s whiteness.

4. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can act as a natural bleaching agent for your teeth, making it a common DIY method for teeth whitening. It kills bacteria so it is often used to clean out wounds, but it can also be used for oral hygiene. More studies have been done on the effects of toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide than simply swishing peroxide in your mouth, but the results demonstrate its effectiveness.

5. Fruit

A number of people have found good results from eating certain fruits and vegetables because they contain acids or enzymes and can be crunchy or abrasive enough to scrape off plaque as you chew. Fruits like strawberries, pineapples, apples, and papayas have all been reported to produce teeth lightening results. Scientific studies haven’t proven that fruit and vegetables can lead to teeth whitening, but it might be able to help prevent teeth staining.

Though there are many DIY options for teeth whitening at home, you will always get the best results by scheduling a teeth whitening service. VIP Smiles offer whitening services, alongside a variety of other cosmetic services, to help you look and feel your best. Reach out to us today for a consultation to find out how we can best help you.