Everyone wants to have pearly white teeth. No wonder, many people spend huge amounts of money on teeth whitening products or search for various home remedies. Here are some simple yet effective tips for whitening your teeth before you contact your dentist in London, UK:
1. Practice good oral hygiene.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that has fluoride. Make sure to brush around the gums and the back of your teeth. Don’t forget to floss to remove the plaque between your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing protect the teeth’s enamel, prevent decay, and removes stains.
2. Watch what you eat.
There are kinds of food and beverages that contain tannin, which stains the teeth. Coffee, tea, wine, and dark soda can stain the teeth, as well as dark berries and other citrus fruits. Acid in food can wear down the enamel and make it yellow. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to completely eliminate them from your diet. Make sure to use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth or lessen the time these kinds of food are in contact with your teeth. Better still, brush your teeth after eating.
3. Include calcium in your diet.
Tooth discolouration can be caused by enamel thinning that leads to the exposure of dentin, which is yellow in colour. To protect your teeth from enamel erosion, include calcium-rich food in your diet. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products strengthen your teeth’s enamel and help prevent your teeth from turning yellow.
4. Cut back on sugar.
Sugary food promotes the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that causes plaque. To keep your teeth white, limit your sugar intake. Brush your teeth after eating sugary food to prevent plaque and gum disease.
5. Consume fruits that contain papain and bromelain.
Papayas and pineapples contain papain and bromelain, enzymes that may help whiten your teeth. A study conducted in 2012 showed that solutions containing these ingredients have some whitening effects. However, further research is necessary to determine the strength of their effectiveness.
6. Eat raw fruits and vegetables.
Raw fruits and vegetables are crunchy. Munching them can help rub off plaque from your teeth. Also, mixing strawberries with baking soda can help remove stains because of their exfoliating properties. However, studies show that they have minimal effect, and excessive use can cause damage.
7. Consider oil pulling.
Wash your mouth with oil to remove bacteria and dirt that cause plaque and yellow stains. After brushing, rinse your mouth with oil then spit it out. Daily oil pulling is effective in reducing bacteria in the mouth, particularly Streptococcus mutans. You can even see the result in less than a week. A popular choice for oil pulling is coconut oil because of its other health benefits. Sunflower and sesame oil have the same effect, too.
There are people who were born with naturally white teeth, yet yellow teeth are inevitable as one grows old. If you’re looking for a dentist regarding your dental concerns, there are various professionals who can help you.
