Everyone wants a whiter smile, but the method to getting it may not be the same for everyone. Teeth become yellow or get discolored for several reasons. The first may be because of genetic reasons. Some people may have just been born with thicker enamel than others. Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth, underneath is a pale brown substance called dentin. Between diet and aging, enamel gets thinner causing the dentin to show, and resulting in the yellowing of teeth. Other factors that cause the yellowing of teeth include what you eat and medication. Okay so you’ve tried over the counter whitening techniques including whitening tooth paste and whitening strips, so is there anything else? There’s a few things you can do at home to get the smile you’ve always wanted!
1. Brush After Eating or Drinking
If we were to zoom in closely to our teeth, we’d notice tiny ridges all over the enamel. When we eat or drink foods and liquids (especially colored substances), that color can get stuck on those ridges and stain teeth. This is why coffee is notoriously known as a “teeth stainer”. The best way to avoid discolored teeth is to brush after we have these foods and liquids.
2. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that’s perfect for scrubbing away stains. Fortunately, you don’t have to create your own DIY toothpaste with baking soda. There are already toothpastes out on the market that are available. Studies have shown that brushing with products using baking soda are very effective on surface stains.
3. Coconut Oil Pulling
Primarily used in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling is done by swishing a table spoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes.
The coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that protect and clean your gums. Though more research needs to be done, as of now there are 17 studies that have highlighted the benefits of coconut oil pulling
4. Strawberries, Pineapples, and Apples
Certain fruits have different effects on your teeth depending on the properties that each fruit has. Applies for instance contain malice acid. This boosts saliva to wash away acids that break down your enamel. Strawberries have the opposite effect. The citric acid in strawberries break down enamel. Bromelain a compound found in pineapple will also help whiten teeth.
Now if you’ve tried everything and still don’t see a difference, the problem can lie in your genetics. As stated in the beginning of the article, some people just have thicker enamel than others. All hope is not lost though. Your dentist may have a few options for you. For instance, many offices provide in office teeth whitening. If you’re in the Northridge area and looking for a whiter smile, be sure to contact us and book your appointment today!
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