Stained teeth are a fairly common dental issue, with many different potential causes. Certain foods and drinks, like coffee and red wine, are notorious for causing tooth discoloration, and tobacco use, and smoking in general, stain teeth as well. Sometimes, teeth can appear yellow because of poor dental hygiene or diseases that affect the enamel. Aging and genetics can also be contributing factors. Fortunately, there are various natural teeth whiteners you can use at home:
1. Strawberries
Eating strawberries regularly over the long term can do wonders for your teeth—besides being a great source of vitamin C, strawberries are one of the most common DIY teeth whiteners. They contain malic acid, a tooth whitening enzyme that breaks down the particles that make teeth brown or yellow.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda effectively whitens discolored teeth, which is why it’s a common ingredient in toothpaste. Besides having natural whitening properties, baking soda is also quite abrasive and can usually brush away teeth stains. It also creates an alkaline environment in the mouth that prevents bacteria and other stain-causing organisms from growing. While the results are not instant, brushing your teeth with baking soda will whiten your teeth over time.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is another product you can use to whiten discolored teeth. Yogurt and other dairy products contain lactic acid, which whitens teeth and protects them against decay. Yogurt is also rich in calcium, which helps strengthen the enamel.
4. Oil pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional method that has been used for many years to get rid of teeth stains. It involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth for about 15 minutes and then spitting it out. The oil cleans your teeth by removing bacteria and plaque. Moreover, coconut oil makes the gums healthy and eliminates bad breath.
5. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent—that’s why many toothpaste manufacturers use it in their products. Brushing your teeth with hydrogen peroxide can get rid of stubborn stains from your teeth and leave them sparkling clean. Use lower concentrations to avoid irritating your gums and teeth.
6. Apple cider vinegar
You can safely use apple cider vinegar to remove brown and yellow stains from your teeth. The product contains acetic acid, which removes plaque buildup on teeth. As a general rule of thumb, apple cider vinegar should be adequately diluted and used sparingly to avoid damaging the enamel.
7. Pineapple
Apart from making delicious smoothies, pineapples can whiten teeth as well. They contain an enzyme known as bromelain that can remove plaque and other stains from the surface of your teeth. It does so by dissolving pellicle, which is a layer of salivary proteins that can protect your teeth, but can also absorb food pigments and give bacteria something to stick to, causing tooth discoloration.
