Photo of Unathi Balele

Say goodbye to dull teeth: Home remedies for teeth whitening

Why visit dentists and break your bank for whitening your teeth when you can do it yourself at home. 

Our teeth are one of the first things people notice about us and it is natural to want to keep our teeth and general oral cavity sparkling clean. 

The good news is that you can whiten your teeth at home naturally, using products you can find in your kitchen, if not then the local grocery store.

According to research, teeth inevitably begin to discolorate and turn yellow with age however a range of home remedies and strategies can slow the process of discoloration and possibly even reverse it.

MedicalNewsToday suggests these strategies may help whiten teeth:

Change your diet

Reduce or eliminate foods that can cause further staining.

Foods and beverages that can cause further damage are wine and tea. Coffee, dark sodas, and juices can also cause further staining.

Try oil pulling 

Oil pulling is the term for washing the mouth with oil to remove dirt, bacteria, and debris. However, it is not a substitute for regular brushing or flossing, but research has shown that washing the mouth with certain oils may help to whiten the teeth.

Try the following oils for oil pulling:

  • coconut oil
  • sunflower oil
  • sesame oil

Mix your toothpaste with baking soda

Baking soda can gently polish away stains on the surface of the teeth. 

According to research, using baking soda is safe on the teeth and gums and will fortunately not cause any harm. 

Adding baking soda to your oral care routine can also help to fight bacteria. 

Eat more fruit

Papayas and pineapples include Papain and bromelain,which are enzymes and may both help with teeth whitening.

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