As we grow older, it’s natural for our teeth to turn somewhat yellow or beige in color. Certain habits can speed up that process – habits such as drinking red wine, smoking, drinking coffee or tea, or eating an unhealthy diet, to name a few. So it’s understandable why teeth whitening products have become so popular in recent years. After all, if there’s a way to have whiter teeth without giving up guilty pleasures, who wouldn’t want to use that method for a brighter smile?
But the fact is that teeth whitening products aren’t the best choice for everyone. Using whitening products too often can damage the enamel of your teeth, so they should only be used according to package directions or instructions provided by your dentist. People with sensitive teeth often find that teeth whitening increases that sensitivity, and many people shy away from whitening products altogether because of that.
If you choose not to use a whitening product, or if you just want a little extra whitening in between treatments, there are a few natural ways to whiten your teeth.
- Brush more often: It may sound obvious, but it works. Brushing your teeth – particularly after you eat and after you drink beverages that are more apt to stain your teeth – keeps your teeth whiter. Using whitening toothpastes can also help. Of course, it won’t happen all at once, but over time you’ll notice the difference.
- Brush with apple cider vinegar: Not only is apple cider vinegar a natural antibiotic, it’s also extremely effective in removing stains from teeth. Although you should practice some caution in how often you use it, since it can damage your enamel just as over-using whitening products can, it should be safe to use it consistently over a period of four or five weeks. Simply brush your teeth with apple cider vinegar (being careful not to brush too hard), then brush again using your regular toothpaste. When it’s used consistently over a period of a few weeks, the results are impressive!
- Enjoy a healthy diet: Although it definitely takes some time to produce results, a healthy diet not only makes your teeth whiter, it also makes you healthier overall. So there’s no reason not to indulge in foods that are good for your teeth, including: yogurt, milk, eggs, carrots, celery, nuts, leafy green vegetables, apples and pears. Some celebrities even recommend making a mash of strawberries and rubbing that on your teeth!
As important as it is to have a whiter smile, it’s even more important to enjoy good oral health. If these tricks don’t work as well as you’d like, talk to your dentist about other whitening options.