Extrinsic stains are a superficial form of discoloration that affects the enamel or outermost layer of your teeth. The most common cause is consuming certain foods and beverages, including red wine, tea, coffee, and foods with dyes. Smoking and poor oral hygiene also cause this type of tooth discoloration, making your teeth look darker or yellow. The good news is that extrinsic discoloration only affects the enamel. Natural solutions and professional teeth whitening can make your smile look more radiant than ever.
On the other hand, intrinsic discoloration forms within the teeth. Childhood illnesses, genetics, trauma, infection, medications, and aging are some of the most common causes of intrinsic discoloration. To correct the problem, professional teeth whitening in Montclair and Irvine, CA is often necessary.
Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth
There are many ways to naturally whiten your teeth at home. These include:
1. Practice good oral hygiene
Here are some of the best ways to keep your teeth white or regain your smile's brilliance:
Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time.
Floss daily to avoid colored foods and beverages from staining the nooks and crannies of your teeth.
Quit smoking or using tobacco products, which can stain teeth and cause oral cancer.
Limit your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, berries, curry powder, and other colored foods and beverages. If drinking tea or coffee is part of your morning routine, consider the iced version and use a straw to avoid contact with your teeth.
Avoid too much sugar in your diet.
See your dentist every six months for professional teeth cleanings.
2. Substitute chips and crackers with snacks that promote good oral health
Certain foods can improve your teeth's health, strength, and appearance. These nutritious foods, according to AARP, help stimulate saliva production to remove stains on teeth:
Strawberries
Apples, celery, and carrots
Oranges and pineapples
Dairy products
3. Make sure to get enough calcium
Calcium is essential for strong bones, which include your teeth. The stronger your teeth are, the less prone they are to damage. And, the less damaged your teeth are, the less susceptible they are to discoloration.
The lactic acid and enamel-fortifying mineral calcium in milk, cheese, and yogurt can strengthen teeth and decrease the risk of extrinsic stains.
If you're following a plant-based diet, many dairy-free products also contain calcium. Green leafy vegetables, beans and legumes, nuts, and soy products are some examples of calcium-rich foods.
4. Learn about hydrogen peroxide before you consider using it
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that also kills oral bacteria, meaning it can help prevent cavities and dental diseases. Many commercial teeth whitening products list hydrogen peroxide as a key ingredient. However, such products usually contain high concentrations of the chemical compound, causing sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel erosion. Hydrogen peroxide is only safe to use when diluted in toothpaste or mouthwash. Thus, never use the compound in its pure form.
Choose a tooth whitening toothpaste or mouthwash that contains no more than 1 to 1.5 percent hydrogen peroxide. And, remember to read the instructions before using them.
5. The baking soda method
A word of advice before we proceed: If you have sensitive teeth; if your enamel is worn down; or if you haven't been to a dentist in years—do not try this method. Brushing with baking soda can make your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay, plus it can aggravate an existing dental problem.
If you're looking for a pocket-friendly way to whiten your teeth, consider using baking soda or bicarbonate soda a few times per week. Baking soda is good for teeth whitening because it offers mild abrasion, which helps clear away stains from the surface of teeth. In addition, baking soda is salty and alkaline, which plays a role in lightening acid-based food stains, such as those dark-colored beverages like tea, coffee, and red wine.
To lighten your teeth with baking soda, simply mix a tablespoon of baking soda with equal parts water in a bowl. Apply the paste onto your teeth using your fingers or a toothbrush. Brush gently using circular motions for about a minute. Then, spit out the baking soda mixture and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
Unproven Teeth Whitening Methods
Though some natural teeth whitening methods, such as the ones we've mentioned, are capable of whitening your teeth safely, several other popular methods can do more harm than good.
Avoid "whitening" your teeth with the following, according to the American Dental Association (ADA):
Baking soda-hydrogen peroxide paste. Combining both of these substances on your own and applying them directly to your teeth can erode your enamel, especially if you overuse them and brush harshly.
Acidic fruits. Do not rub lemons, oranges, limes, and other acid-rich fruits onto your teeth because they can wear away tooth enamel. Instead, make sure you include these fruits in your diet, as they naturally improve the health and brightness of teeth.
Apple cider vinegar. Vinegar contains high amounts of acid, and you already know what that can do to your smile.
Turmeric and other spices. There is no evidence proving that the application of turmeric and other spices on teeth can help whiten them. Many herbs can benefit your health, but they cannot brighten teeth.
Oil pulling. This Ayurvedic practice entails swishing coconut or olive oil inside the mouth, similar to how you would use mouthwash. Oil pulling may improve bad breath, but there is no strong evidence showing that it can remove stains from teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening CA — The Best Solution to Yellow Teeth
Are you looking for an effective way to brighten your smile? Introducing Cunning Dental Group's Zoom Teeth Whitening. This painless, non-invasive laser treatment lightens stains and corrects discoloration in just an hour or less. So, to achieve whiter teeth now rather than later — because let's be honest, natural methods can take a long time to work — contact us at (855) 328-6646 to schedule an appointment. Though teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry practice, rest assured that we perform all dentistry procedures with your oral health in mind.
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