Have you looked in the mirror lately and noticed that your teeth are not as white as they once were? In fact, they may look positively dingy. But if you go to your dentist, you’ll discover that professional teeth whitening will cost you a pretty penny. You’ll be on the hook for hundreds of dollars for bleaching trays and over a thousand for quick and easy laser whitening. Since most insurance doesn’t cover this elective cosmetic procedure, you’re probably going to pay full price; and the cost could hurt you more than the tooth sensitivity these treatments are known to cause. Of course, you could also try OTC treatments like chemical rinses, gels, or white strips from the pharmacy (which could run you around $30-40 and provide up to five shades of whitening). But most of these rely on a low percentage of bleach, which you may not be too keen to put in your mouth. However, there is one last option that is extremely low cost and far less invasive: you can create homemade whitening agents.
One of the most commonly used natural whiteners is baking soda. It has long been known to absorb odors, but it can also help to clean your teeth and remove stains. It is slightly abrasive, so it removes superficial surface stains caused by food dyes, but it can also penetrate into the top layers of enamel to remove slightly deeper stains from coffee, tea, or wine (for example). It won’t lighten your teeth more than 1-2 shades, but it can definitely perk up your pearly whites. All you need to do is mix it with water to form a paste (add a pinch of salt for some extra abrasive power and a cleaning agent that can also rid your mouth of potentially harmful bacteria). Baking soda is not only great for minor whitening; it also works to maintain your smile.
Another whitener that is not as well-known is MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane). This miracle powder has many uses; among them smoothing and repairing skin and hair, clearing red eyes (when mixed with water and used as an eye drop), and strengthening bones and joints. Another use that few people know about is whitening teeth. One of the properties of MSM is that it is a penetrant, meaning that it can get deep into cells. It is also a carrier, bonding to other agents in order to transport them through cell membranes. So mix it with water to brush onto teeth and don’t worry about swallowing it; it’s beneficial when ingested as well.
One final potential at-home whitener is hydrogen peroxide (diluted with water). If you’ve tried bleaching your hair with this potent solvent, you know how well it works to lighten and brighten. Be careful to properly dilute the mixture so that you don’t damage the soft tissue in your mouth. In small, controlled doses, hydrogen peroxide can actually kill bacteria and prevent gum disease in addition to whitening. Just make sure to use it only as a rinse. Do NOT swallow hydrogen peroxide! Although this method comes with more potential drawbacks, it will almost certainly show better results than other DIY teeth whiteners.
Byline: Carol Montrose writes for Philly Dental Spa where the top Philadelphia cosmetic dentists make your dream smile a reality.
One of the most commonly used natural whiteners is baking soda. It has long been known to absorb odors, but it can also help to clean your teeth and remove stains. It is slightly abrasive, so it removes superficial surface stains caused by food dyes, but it can also penetrate into the top layers of enamel to remove slightly deeper stains from coffee, tea, or wine (for example). It won’t lighten your teeth more than 1-2 shades, but it can definitely perk up your pearly whites. All you need to do is mix it with water to form a paste (add a pinch of salt for some extra abrasive power and a cleaning agent that can also rid your mouth of potentially harmful bacteria). Baking soda is not only great for minor whitening; it also works to maintain your smile.
Another whitener that is not as well-known is MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane). This miracle powder has many uses; among them smoothing and repairing skin and hair, clearing red eyes (when mixed with water and used as an eye drop), and strengthening bones and joints. Another use that few people know about is whitening teeth. One of the properties of MSM is that it is a penetrant, meaning that it can get deep into cells. It is also a carrier, bonding to other agents in order to transport them through cell membranes. So mix it with water to brush onto teeth and don’t worry about swallowing it; it’s beneficial when ingested as well.
One final potential at-home whitener is hydrogen peroxide (diluted with water). If you’ve tried bleaching your hair with this potent solvent, you know how well it works to lighten and brighten. Be careful to properly dilute the mixture so that you don’t damage the soft tissue in your mouth. In small, controlled doses, hydrogen peroxide can actually kill bacteria and prevent gum disease in addition to whitening. Just make sure to use it only as a rinse. Do NOT swallow hydrogen peroxide! Although this method comes with more potential drawbacks, it will almost certainly show better results than other DIY teeth whiteners.
Byline: Carol Montrose writes for Philly Dental Spa where the top Philadelphia cosmetic dentists make your dream smile a reality.
baking soda works but Dentozine and Colgate have taken their tooth paste containing baking soda off the market because people use too much of it which causes tooth because because it eats away at the enamel.
ReplyDeleteBrushing your teeth with lemon juice is stupid beyond belief. lemon juice is acidic and you will be dissolving your teeth causing irreversible damage also.
ReplyDeleteIf you want whiter teeth see a dentist
Use Wood ash
ReplyDeleteBleaching is an excellent teeth whitening treatment.
ReplyDeleteTry cutting down the amount of food that you eat or drink that causes a stain or discoloration of your teeth. Also stop smoking and make a habit to brush your teeth three times a day to prevent staining or discoloring of your teeth.
ReplyDeleteTake a pinch of fine white sand and rub in into your teeth until the yellowish layer of your teeth will fade.
ReplyDeleteThe tulasi(holy basil) is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
ReplyDeletegood tip!
ReplyDelete