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How to Whiten Your Teeth at Home

Ronald A. Murphy, DMD • Oct 02, 2018

The Best and Fastest Way to Whiten Teeth at Home

We all want to look good and have a bright white smile. If you want to give your teeth a pearly luster, check out this article on the best and fastest way to whiten teeth at home.

Teeth whitening has emerged as one of the most popular dental procedures worldwide. In 2017, more than 39.09 million Americans used products designed for this purpose.

Besides using specialty products, there are dozens of ways to give your teeth a pearly luster at home. Natural remedies, such as baking soda and charcoal, have been used for centuries.

Charcoal, for instance, absorbs odor-causing bacteria in the mouth and eliminates bad breath. Some say it's the fastest way to whiten teeth.

The question is: do home teeth whitening products really work? And what can you expect? Let's find out!

Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?

Before trying any products, you might wonder why your teeth turned yellow in the first place.

Tea, coffee, wine, and brightly colored foods are often the culprits. These contain pigments that can stain your teeth .

Another common cause is bad dental hygiene. Unless you brush and floss your teeth regularly, bacteria build up in the oral cavity. Over time, it causes plaque, which forms tartar along with a yellow coating.

If you smoke, don't expect your teeth to shine.

Cigarettes contain nicotine, tar, and other chemicals that make their way into the pores of the tooth enamel, causing discoloration. In fact, 28 percent of smokers have stained teeth compared to 15 percent of non-smokers.

Surprisingly, certain medications can cause yellow teeth as well. Tetracycline antibiotics are the worst offenders. Studies have found that people who took these drugs in childhood may have permanently stained teeth later in life.

There are many other causes of teeth discoloration. These include but are not limited to:

●Genetics

●Aging

●Dentin

●Beverages with artificial flavors

●Trauma to the mouth

●Excessive fluoride exposure

●Tooth grinding

●Chemotherapy and radiation

●Sickle cell disease

●Severe neonatal jaundice

Even though yellow teeth can be perfectly healthy, this issue can ruin your smile - and your confidence. A staggering 28 percent of Millennials avoid smiling because they're embarrassed about their teeth.

What's the Fastest Way to Whiten Teeth?

Contrary to popular belief, our teeth aren't naturally bright white but yellow or grey. Just a few people are blessed with a perfect smile.

Luckily, there are ways to fix this issue and give your teeth a makeover. The most popular options include:

●At-home whitening, which involves using peroxide-based whitening gel, whitening strips, and other similar products

●Professional teeth whitening, which is performed at the dentist's office

●Natural teeth whiteners, such as coconut oil, lemon peel, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda

Ready to give it a try? Before visiting your dentist, check out these quick ways to whiten your teeth at home:

Baking Soda

Baking soda has long been used for its ability to whiten the skin and teeth. Toothpaste containing this ingredient is more effective at removing stains and plaque compared to conventional formulas.

If you're looking for the best way to whiten teeth at home, mix two teaspoons of water with one teaspoon of baking soda. Brush your teeth with this formula several times a week.

You'll not only move towards a perfect Hollywood smile but also keep bacteria at bay.

Kaolin Clay

Rich in minerals and natural bleaching agents, kaolin clay can give you a whiter smile. Due to its antibacterial properties, it also reduces or eliminates bad breath, prevents cavities, and boosts oral health.

The calcium, zinc, and magnesium in kaolin clay will strengthen your teeth naturally. Over time, they may help prevent tooth decay and other dental problems.

To reap the benefits, mix a little bit of clay with water. Add peppermint or clove essential oil for a refreshing scent. Brush your teeth with this mixture and rinse well.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cigar vinegar is best known for its ability to improve digestion and rev up your metabolism. This natural product can also whiten your teeth and remove stubborn stains. These properties are due to its high content of acetic acid.

Simply add a few drops of apple cider vinegar on your toothbrush or finger and then rub it on your teeth. Rinse well and repeat several times a week.

Loaded with enzymes and probiotics, this remedy kills cavity-causing bacteria and freshens your breath. It's particularly effective at removing stains caused by cigarette smoking and coffee.

Oil Pulling

The health benefits of oil pulling are well-documented. This centuries-old practice is your best defense against bad breath. Furthermore, it helps prevent tooth decay , heals bleeding gums, and whitens your teeth naturally.

For best results, use coconut oil. Swish a spoonful of this remedy in your mouth for at least five minutes. The longer you do it, the better.

Once you're done, spit out the oil and rinse well. Brush your teeth as normal. Repeat three times per week or whenever necessary.

What makes coconut oil so effective is its high content of lauric acid. This compound reduces plaque buildup and helps in treating gingivitis. At the same time, it destroys the harmful bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay.

Another option is sesame oil pulling. This remedy can help prevent both plaque and gingivitis while giving your teeth a whiter appearance.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal isn't just for food poisoning and indigestion. This natural remedy can successfully remove stains, plaque, and food particles from your teeth. In fact, some of the best toothpaste on the market contains charcoal for teeth whitening.

Due to its highly absorbent properties, activated charcoal absorbs plaque, toxins, and bacteria that stain your teeth. Simply use it instead of toothpaste and then rinse well.

Beware that the overuse of charcoal may cause teeth erosion. Also, this ingredient cannot change the color of teeth that are severely stained.

Get Expert Help

Still looking for the fastest way to whiten teeth and restore your smile? In this case, consider visiting a dentist.

The natural remedies listed above can work wonders for your teeth. However, the effects are temporary. Professional teeth whitening is more convenient and yields lasting results.

We offer an innovative at-home treatment for stained teeth , which works just as well as professional whitening. It includes a gel and custom trays that make everything a lot easier.

Contact us today to find out more! From cosmetic dentistry to crowns and veneers, we provide everything you need for a perfect smile.

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