How To Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

If your teeth are stained, these five tips will show you how to naturally whiten your teeth. The natural color of teeth differs from one person to the next, and teeth naturally stain as you get older. But sometimes food, drinks, medicines, and mouthwashes can stain your teeth even further.

Do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits, strips, and toothpastes can remove or lighten teeth stains. But whitening products can be expensive and abrasive to your teeth. Here are a few natural home remedies to consider for whiter teeth and a brighter smile.

1. Make a baking soda toothpaste. People usually brush their teeth with toothpaste or gel straight from the tube. But some still prefer the old home remedy of a baking soda toothpaste. To make your own paste, mix a teaspoon of baking soda with ¼ teaspoon hydrogen peroxide. A drop of peppermint oil will improve the flavor. Apply the mixture to your toothbrush and brush your teeth as usual.
2. Eat more saliva-producing foods. Certain foods are known to trigger a lot of saliva, and your saliva helps remove food and stains from your teeth. It also neutralizes the acid that causes tooth decay. Good saliva-producing foods include apples, pears, broccoli, carrots, celery, and strawberries. Sugarless gum is also a good choice.
3. Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks. The outer layer of teeth enamel wears down as you age, exposing a darker, more yellow layer underneath. Avoid food and drinks that can cause teeth stains and discoloration. Popular stain-causing foods and drinks include coffee, tea, cola, red wine, cranberry juice, grape juice, soy sauce, tomato sauce, blueberries, blackberries, and beets.
4. Give up smoking cigarettes. Tobacco is one of the worst offenders of stained teeth. Nicotine causes brown stains that are hard to remove by brushing alone. Stains penetrate the grooves in teeth enamel and become more entrenched the longer you smoke. Quit smoking to stop further staining and improve your overall health.
5. Make teeth-cleaning part of your daily routine. The best way to whiten your teeth naturally is to maintain your teeth daily. Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once daily. Brushing after every meal and snack is the best practice. Brushing and flossing helps remove plaque and surface stains on teeth.