A healthy, bright smile can boost self-esteem. In addition, a clean mouth helps prevent various infections and conditions. Two of the most important things to do to have good oral hygiene habits are brushing your teeth and flossing, but there are also home remedies that help make your smile more beautiful. Here are some ideas to naturally whiten your teeth.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Step 1. Choose the right toothpaste
It is essential for good oral hygiene as it helps remove food residues and plaque from teeth and gums. It can be in the form of a gel, paste or powder. The various products have similar ingredients, but there are specific toothpastes designed for the needs of each consumer.
- Fluorine is a mineral that is sometimes added to water. Toothpastes that contain it help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel and eliminating the bacteria that are responsible for it. They are also recommended for the little ones. If a child is less than 3 years old, an amount equal to one grain of rice is enough. For those between the ages of 3 and 6, a pea-sized dose is fine.
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Whitening toothpastes often contain mildly abrasive substances which are typically mineral compounds such as magnesium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and calcium carbonate. They help remove surface stains that cause teeth to turn yellow. They also often contain a small percentage of hydrogen peroxide, a whitening substance with stain removal properties.
Whitening toothpastes containing hydrogen peroxide can cause sensitivity, which can be relieved by alternating between whitening and sensitive toothpaste daily
- Desensitizing toothpastes are preferable for those suffering from sensitive gums and teeth. They contain substances such as potassium nitrate and potassium citrate, which have targeted calming properties to combat sensitivity.
- For those who are sensitive to fluoride, toothpastes with natural ingredients such as xylitol, green tea extract, papaya extract, citric acid, zinc citrate and baking soda are equally effective for whitening and cleaning. your teeth thoroughly.
Step 2. Choose the right toothbrush
Manual and electric ones can effectively clean teeth. Those who have difficulty with the manual toothbrush may find the electric one easier to use. Your dentist can determine which one best suits your needs.
Soft-bristled toothbrushes are preferable for those with sensitive teeth and gums
Step 3. Keep your toothbrush clean
Make sure you replace it every 3 to 4 months. Do not store it in a closed container, as bacteria can build up between the bristles over time, causing plaque, enamel wear and infection.
- Don't share your toothbrush with anyone. This can also cause pathogenic germs and bacteria to proliferate in the mouth.
- Wash your toothbrush before and after each use to prevent bacteria from accumulating on the bristles.
Step 4. Brush your teeth twice a day
It is the fundamental step in having good oral hygiene habits. Experts recommend brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes in order to have a healthy mouth and teeth. Here is the most suitable technique for brushing:
- Place the toothbrush at 45 ° to the gums.
- Gently move the toothbrush back and forth covering the entire surface of the tooth. Proceed in a sustained manner. Brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces.
- Clean the inner surfaces of the front teeth. Tilt the toothbrush vertically and make several up and down movements.
- Brush your tongue to kill bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Step 5. Choose the right floss
In addition to brushing, using this product is one of the most important steps in taking care of the oral cavity. Dental floss is made from nylon or plastic filaments. To make the procedure more enjoyable, it is often treated with flavoring agents, such as mint or lemon, artificial sweeteners, and alditols, such as xylitol and mannitol. For ease of use, it can also be waxed with beeswax or plant-based wax. In any case, keep in mind that the wax neither positively nor negatively affects the effectiveness.
- Organic silk-based dental floss is available online and in some specialty stores. It is recommended for those who want to avoid artificial sweeteners, plastic filaments or fluoride, but it can cost more than the regular one. Organic and vegan dental floss is often sold in biodegradable packaging.
- Never use string or other types of floss in place of dental floss, as they can severely damage teeth and gum tissue. Only dental floss approved by competent authorities has been previously tested to confirm its safety and efficacy.
Step 6. Floss regularly
Using it at least once a day helps remove plaque from areas between the teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. Plaque that is not removed sooner or later hardens, turning into tartar and causing gum disease. Keep in mind that flossing can be annoying at first, but it shouldn't be painful. If you go aggressive, you can damage the tissue between your teeth. By flossing and brushing your teeth daily, the discomfort should subside within a couple of weeks. If the pain persists, talk to your dentist. Here are the steps to follow to use dental floss:
- Cut about 45 cm of floss and wrap most of it around your middle finger. Wrap the remaining yarn around the same finger of the opposite hand. This last finger will then gradually be wrapped in dental floss which will get dirty.
- Hold the thread firmly between your thumb and forefinger.
- Guide the floss between the teeth by gently massaging it on the surface. Never hit it on the gums.
- As the floss approaches the gums, curl it creating a C on the surface of the tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Make the floss adhere well to the tooth. Gently massage the front, pulling the floss away from the gum in an up and down motion. Repeat with the other teeth. Don't forget the back side of the last tooth. Once finished, throw it away. Used dental floss is not particularly effective and can reintroduce bacteria into the mouth.
- You can easily inspect the wire and see the plaque collected on it. That part should be replaced with a clean piece by simply sliding it with your fingers.
- Children should start flossing as soon as they have at least two teeth. However, as children under the age of 10 or 11 are unable to use it properly, they should be supervised by an adult.
Step 7. Use mouthwash
Just like with toothpaste, there are different types of mouthwash, targeted for specific oral hygiene needs. Over-the-counter ones help freshen your breath, strengthen enamel, dissolve plaque before brushing your teeth, or eliminate gingivitis-causing bacteria.
- For daily oral care, rinse with 30ml of mouthwash for 2 to 3 minutes, then spit it out. Do this after brushing your teeth. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend the best mouthwash for your needs. In some cases, he may prescribe a more concentrated fluoride or antibacterial one.
- A glass of warm distilled water can act as a mouthwash. It is an effective home remedy for those with sensitive teeth and gums. Eliminates bacteria and food residues.
- If you need to avoid alcohol, read the ingredients list carefully. Many over-the-counter mouthwashes contain large amounts of alcohol, which is the main component.
- When buying mouthwash at a store, read the ingredients list to avoid sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It is an artificial surfactant that can cause sensitivity and oral ulcers. Instead, choose a mouthwash that contains a natural emulsifier such as a vegetable oil, baking soda, or sodium chloride (salt). Plant extracts such as peppermint, sage, cinnamon and lemon help freshen the breath.
Step 8. Try using a water jet
This dental pressure device helps eliminate food residues trapped on the tooth surface, but also between the cracks of the teeth and gums. It is a useful and healthy way to clean your mouth after meals.
Step 9. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend other cleansing tools to complement your dental care
Here are some examples:
- Interdental cleaners are more effective than dental floss for those with large spaces between their teeth. They look like tiny toothbrushes or large 3-sided toothpicks. They are also ideal for braces wearers, missing teeth or gum surgery. They are available in the supermarket and pharmacy.
- Oral irrigators are electrical devices that pump a steady or pulsating stream of water. They allow to eliminate food and residues from the gum pockets and from the appliance. They are also used to apply medicines to hard-to-reach areas. For example, prescription mouthwashes can be sprayed into gum pockets with an oral irrigator.
- Pointed interdental brushes are flexible rubber sticks used to clean between the teeth and just below the gum line. Plaque and food debris can be removed by gently sliding the tip along the gum line.
Step 10. Wash your mouth with water to remove food scraps and other residues from your teeth after eating or consuming caffeinated beverages
This will help you avoid stains and cavities. This is especially useful for those who are away from home and do not have the ability to brush or floss after eating. Drinking water throughout the day and rinsing your mouth after meals is the most underestimated method, yet it is very useful for taking care of the oral cavity.
Always avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating highly acidic foods, which can weaken your enamel. Instead, do some water rinses
Step 11. Avoid smoking
Chewing cigarettes and tobacco are harmful to oral health as they can stain teeth, cause gum disease and cancer, slow healing following an extraction or surgery, numb the sense of taste and smell, cause halitosis. Quitting is the only way to decrease the risk of these problems and other diseases associated with tobacco use.
Talk to your dentist or doctor to develop a treatment that can help you quit smoking
Method 2 of 4: Using Herbal and Home Remedies
Step 1. Soak your toothbrush in a sea salt solution
Instead of using toothpaste, soak your toothbrush in a sea salt solution for 3-5 minutes. Prepare it by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in 30ml of water, then use it to brush your teeth. Salt temporarily raises the pH of the oral cavity, transforming it into an alkaline environment in which germs and bacteria cannot survive.
- You may experience some pain in the gums, but this is normal. Salt is a hygroscopic substance; this means it attracts water. Salt can also be abrasive, so use this method no more than once a week.
- Using sea salt mouthwash after meals can also help keep your mouth and throat clean, while soothing and treating oral sores.
Step 2. Try the oil pulling technique
It is an Ayurvedic remedy that consists of rinsing to remove germs and bacteria from the oral cavity. Vegetable oil contains lipids that absorb toxins and extract them from saliva. It also prevents the bacteria responsible for caries from adhering to the tooth walls.
- Measure out a tablespoon of oil and use it to do one-minute rinses for the purpose of reaping the benefits. If possible, try to keep it in your mouth longer, for 15-20 minutes. To make sure it absorbs and eliminates as much bacteria as possible, try to do this on an empty stomach.
- Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth thoroughly, preferably with warm water.
- Buy cold-pressed organic oil, such as sesame or olive oil. Coconut oil is the most popular due to its flavor. It is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as E.
Step 3. Use a strawberry-based mixture
Malic acid is a natural emulsifier that helps remove surface stains and plaque. To make a whitening mixture, simply mash 2 or 3 strawberries in a bowl and add half a teaspoon of baking soda. Use it to clean your teeth a couple of times a week.
Since the malic and citric acid in strawberries can erode the enamel, use this remedy in conjunction with a fluoride toothpaste
Step 4. Make a baking soda compound
Helps whiten teeth and promote good oral hygiene. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water until you get a thick mixture. Brush your teeth a couple of times a week.
Baking soda can also be used as a mouthwash after meals. Just dissolve a teaspoon of it in a glass of water and use it to rinse your mouth for 2 to 3 minutes
Step 5. Try using apple cider vinegar to remove surface stains
It is a multipurpose product to take care of your home and your hygiene. It has, among others, whitening properties. The results may not be instant, but using it alongside baking soda can help remove surface stains and whiten your teeth.
- To make a whitening mixture, mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with half a teaspoon of baking soda. You can use it a couple of times a week.
- You can also use plain apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash to care for your teeth on a daily basis.
Step 6. Fight plaque with coconut oil and mint leaves
Coconut oil is a natural emulsifier that helps clean teeth, decrease stains, fight plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay. Mix a handful of shredded peppermint or romaine leaves (about 1 to 2 grams) with 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Use it as a whitening paste or mouthwash. Mint leaves help keep your breath fresh throughout the day.
Since coconut oil is mild and non-abrasive, you can use it every day. It is also safe for those with tooth and gum sensitivity
Step 7. Give hydrogen peroxide a try
Many mouthwashes and toothpastes have a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 1.5%. It is a powerful whitening agent that has a chemical composition rather similar to water. It can help whiten your teeth. It also allows you to eliminate bacteria and dirt residues, not to mention that it is particularly effective in preventing gingivitis.
Side effects can occur with prolonged use, so ask your dentist for instructions on how to use it correctly
Step 8. Chew gum
Some studies show that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes a day after meals can help prevent tooth decay. It increases the production of saliva, which in turn eliminates food residues, neutralizes the acids produced by bacteria, strengthens the dental enamel and distributes effective substances to fight oral pathologies.
- Sweetened gum also promotes salivation, but can increase the bacteria responsible for plaque, so they should be avoided.
- Chewing gum should not replace brushing and flossing, as they are the most important tools for good oral hygiene.
Method 3 of 4: Food Changes
Step 1. Eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables
To keep your teeth clean, it is essential to consume the right foods. Naturally crunchy ones contain fiber, which helps promote salivation by eliminating many of the sugars and chemicals responsible for tooth decay. About twenty minutes after eating something, saliva begins to neutralize the action of acids and enzymes that attack the teeth. It also contains traces of calcium and phosphate, which can replenish minerals in those parts of the teeth that have lost them due to bacterial acids.
- Avoid sticky, chewy, and sugary foods. Instead, go for fresh, raw and crunchy fruits and vegetables to help clean your teeth. Cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, celery, and nuts are great for keeping your teeth clean.
- Limit your consumption of citric acid-containing fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, lemons, strawberries, and tomatoes. Overdoing it can erode the enamel. In any case, don't completely avoid them, unless you have a digestive disorder or an allergy. These fruits contain many essential nutrients for the body.
Step 2. Avoid high fructose corn syrup
It is usually found in many industrially processed products and is primarily responsible for tooth decay. Before buying a product, always read the nutrition label. Regularly drinking fizzy drinks can also cause dental discoloration and wear down the enamel.
Step 3. Drink fluoride-rich drinking water
Helps eliminate food residues and bacteria. It also increases salivation and strengthens the enamel, thus preventing tooth decay. Those with sensitive teeth can especially benefit from water containing fluoride, as it also reduces gum inflammation.
- Aim to drink at least 250 milliliters of water every 2 hours. For an average adult, the recommended daily amount is 2 liters.
- If you consume caffeinated beverages, drink one liter of water for every cup of caffeine. Drinking little can also cause dehydration.
- You can use fluoridated water to make formula milk. However, prolonged use of fluoride and overexposure in childhood can cause mild fluorosis, which weakens the enamel. It only occurs on baby teeth, so try to minimize your child's exposure until permanent teeth begin to grow. To do this, use distilled, demineralized or purified water. Also, your child must consume calcium-rich foods and drinks. Since fluoride is not an essential mineral for the body, you don't have to worry about any deficiencies.
Step 4. Drink tea in moderation
Green and black contain antioxidants called polyphenols which reduce or eliminate plaque bacteria. This means that they can prevent the production of acids responsible for tooth decay and corrosion of the enamel.
- Depending on the type of water you use for tea, drinking it can also allow you to consume fluoride.
- Pouring some milk into black tea also allows you to get calcium, strengthening your teeth and making them more resistant to bacteria.
- Keep in mind that overdoing the tea can also cause stains and, in some cases, dehydration, so try to limit your consumption to 2 or 3 cups a day.
Step 5. Eat foods rich in calcium, which is essential for promoting healthy bones and teeth
It is especially important for babies who have recently started teething and for adults who have weak teeth or bones. The best way to get more calcium is through food. Cook using small amounts of water for as short a time as possible to retain more calcium in the foods you eat. Here are some of the richest sources:
- Cheeses such as Parmesan, pecorino, Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella and feta.
- Semi-skimmed or skimmed milk and low-fat butter.
- Yogurt. It is another good source of probiotics, which are bacteria that help strengthen the immune system.
- Tofu.
- Black molasses.
- Dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, chard.
- Almonds, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts.
Step 6. Take calcium supplements
It is essential for promoting the formation of healthy bones and teeth. The most common supplements are calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. Taking vitamin D and magnesium supplements with calcium can help the body absorb and use it more efficiently. They should be taken in very small doses, no more than 500 milligrams at a time. Over the course of the day, combine them with 6 or 8 glasses of water to prevent constipation.
- Before giving your child any supplements, including calcium, talk to your pediatrician.
- Calcium citrate is more easily absorbed and digested by the body. If you are taking antacids or blood pressure medicines, it should not be used.
- Calcium carbonate is less expensive and contains more elemental calcium, which is necessary for the body to function properly. However, it requires more gastric juices to be absorbed. So take it with a glass of orange juice.
- Calcium supplements extracted from oyster shells, dolomite, and bone meal should be avoided because they may contain lead, which can cause anemia, damage the brain and kidneys, increase blood pressure, and lead to poisoning.
Step 7. Get enough vitamin D
Helps the body absorb and use calcium. It is also effective in strengthening the immune system to fight bacteria, viruses and free radicals, which can erode tooth enamel. Getting enough vitamin D can help you have a healthy smile, strengthen your bones, and even prevent various types of diseases and cancer. Here are some ways to make sure you get enough:
- Get more exposure to sunlight. When you sunbathe, the body naturally produces vitamin D. Those with fair skin should try to expose themselves for at least 10-15 minutes a day, while those with dark skin at least 30 minutes. Clouds, smog, clothing, SPF products, and window panes reduce the amount of sunlight that actually reaches the skin.
- Natural sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, eggs, fatty fish such as salmon, juices and dairy products fortified with vitamin D.
- For those with low vitamin D levels, dietary supplements are also available in pharmacies. Babies under 12 months of age need at least 400 IU. Those who are one year old and most adults require at least 600 IU, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. For those over 70, at least 800 IU are required. Before giving supplements to a child, ask your doctor.
- Before taking dietary supplements, always ask your doctor. Overdoing vitamin D supplements can cause side effects such as dehydration, poor appetite, weight loss, fatigue, eye pain, itchy skin, muscle and bone pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Method 4 of 4: Ask a Professional for help
Step 1. Identify the symptoms you need to see a dentist for
There are alarm bells and situations not to be overlooked. Here are some of them:
- Dental sensitivity to heat or cold
- Gums that are swollen and / or bleed when you brush your teeth or floss
- You suffer from gum recession or have slow teeth
- Presence of fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures and so on;
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth;
- Pain or swelling affecting the mouth, face or neck
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Family medical history including gum disease or tooth decay;
- Frequent dry mouth, even for those who drink water regularly;
- The jaw sometimes pops, or pain is felt when opening and closing the mouth, chewing or waking. A malocclusion can also be observed;
- You have an abnormal mouth ulcer or sore that doesn't go away
- You don't like your teeth or your smile.
Step 2. See a professional to have your teeth checked and cleaned
During the session, the dentist or hygienist will ask you about your medical history, examine your mouth and decide whether or not you need X-rays.
- Tell your dentist about any tooth or gum sensitivity problems, such as fractured teeth, swelling, redness, or bleeding affecting the gums. It is important to tell him if you have seen any changes in your general health, as many diseases can also affect the oral cavity.
- Depending on the treatment, the specialist may use special tools to check the gums and identify any pathologies.
Step 3. Ask your dentist to explain whitening treatments to you
It can help you find the right product or procedure for a brighter smile. Whiteners may not remedy all discolorations, especially if you have brown or gray teeth. In case of bonding or fillings of the same color as the teeth on the front surface, the whitener will not change their appearance, so they will be noticed after the treatment. You may want to look into other solutions, such as porcelain veneers or dental reconstructions. Here are other ways to have whiter teeth:
- In-office whitening is a procedure that consists of applying a protective gel on the gums or a rubber mask to protect the soft tissues. At that point, a whitening agent is administered. This procedure can be performed in the specialist's office in just one session.
- Homemade whitening with products containing hydrogen peroxide can give good results. There may be side effects, such as increased sensitivity or gum irritation. Before using whitening products, talk to a dentist.
- Whitening toothpastes help remove surface stains and reduce discoloration in the long term, provided you have proper oral hygiene habits.
Step 4. Get a dental x-ray
It can help your dentist detect any signs of dental damage or disease that are not visible during a regular checkup and that may be causing discoloration. If you frequently suffer from toothache or gum bleeding, X-rays will allow the specialist to better understand the situation.
- If you are a new patient, your dentist may recommend x-rays to understand the current situation. A new dental x-ray may be needed to help the specialist identify cavities, analyze gum health, or evaluate tooth growth and development.
- If you are pregnant, inform the office where you will be doing the x-rays, so that they can use a special vest to protect you and your child from radiation exposure.
