One can say that their smile is their biggest asset. But the color of teeth plays a huge role in deciding how confident one is when smiling. One’s teeth might turn yellow as they age, as the enamel wears away over time, revealing the pale teeth underneath. However, one can consider whitening their teeth to address the change in color. Teeth whitening does not always require expert assistance; one can use at-home whitening methods.

What causes yellow teeth?
Before looking for at-home teeth whitening remedies, one should understand the underlying conditions and causes of yellow teeth. Here are some common reasons for yellowing:

• Oral trauma or tooth injury
• Excessive sugar intake
• High coffee and tea intake
• Poor dental care and oral hygiene
• Excessive exposure to fluoride
• Side effects of treatment options
• Dry mouth or lack of saliva

Teeth whitening solutions
One can find whitening toothpaste and other products that improve the appearance and color of their teeth. However, one should be wary of harsh chemicals and abrasives. If one is looking for natural ways to whiten their teeth, they can choose a natural, mild, whitening toothpaste. Alternatively, several at-home whitening options can offer similar results with regular usage. Here are some natural ways to whiten teeth at home:

Try oil pulling
This is an age-old remedy for improving oral hygiene and removing toxins. One should swish oil around in their mouth to get rid of the bacteria that convert into plaque and makes teeth look yellow. Here, coconut oil can be used. This is a safe method because coconut oil doesn’t contain acid and other harmful chemicals that can erode the enamel of the teeth.

Apply baking soda
One of the most common and natural ways to whiten teeth is to use baking soda. This is a mild abrasive that can help scrub away stains on the teeth. It also creates an alkaline environment in the mouth which prevents the growth of bacteria. One will be able to notice brighter teeth over time. It has also been proved that brushing the teeth using a paste made with baking soda and water can help improve dental health and make one’s teeth appear whiter.

Using an apple cider vinegar mouthwash
One can rinse their mouth with a little apple cider vinegar to whiten their teeth. One can make a mouthwash by mixing two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with water. After letting the solution rest for 30 seconds, one should rinse their mouth with it. It is important to rinse the mouth with plain water and then brush the teeth after using the solution.

Try activated charcoal
Activated charcoal can help remove stains from the teeth. Charcoal is believed to remove pigments and stubborn stains from the teeth as it is highly absorbent. Using activated charcoal can help one get rid of bacteria and toxins in the mouth. Here, a tiny amount of activated charcoal should be used to gently brush one’s teeth. Circular brushing motions should be used for at least 2 minutes before spitting the charcoal. However, one should avoid brushing aggressively, especially in the area around the gums.

Brushing with lemon and baking soda paste
Baking soda is indeed a versatile ingredient. Its alkaline nature allows for mildly scrubbing stains off the teeth and helps the mouth attain suitable pH levels. When mixed with lemon juice, baking soda becomes a great whitening solution. One can make a whitening toothpaste by mixing baking soda and lemon juice. Once the desired consistency is achieved, they can add the paste to the toothbrush and brush for a few minutes before rinsing their mouth.

Add high-fiber foods to meals
Other than following home remedies for teeth whitening, one should make better food choice if they want to maintain the color of their teeth and avoid yellowing. High-fiber vegetables can neutralize the acids in the mouth and protect the enamel. Also, green leafy vegetables stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth. This helps wash away or dilute the acids in the area.

Lifestyle changes
Making better choices includes staying away from foods that stain the teeth. Foods and beverages with tannins, such as tea and coffee, can stain the teeth. Dark sodas and juices should also be avoided. While some amount of discoloration is inevitable with aging and one may experience plaque build-up too. However, by maintaining oral hygiene by brushing and flossing the teeth, one can reduce the bacteria in the mouth which causes plaque. Using a good whitening toothpaste can eliminate surface stains from the teeth. Further, one can keep their teeth clean and white through regular dental cleanings.

Rub fruit peels on teeth
Rubbing lemon, orange, and banana peels on the teeth can also help brighten them. Instead of throwing away the peels, one can save them and rub them on the teeth.

Use hydrogen peroxide
This chemical is a natural bleaching agent that helps kill bacteria in the mouth, so hydrogen peroxide is also used to disinfect wounds. Many commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide. It has also been proven that whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide is more effective than those without it. The chemical is considered a mild bleach that helps whiten stained teeth.

The color of the teeth is a common concern for many people. Those on the lookout for whitening toothpaste may have to be careful about not opting for extremely abrasive products that can cause permanent damage. However, many at-home remedies can help whiten the teeth and improve oral health. One should be careful with any whitening remedy as overusing it can damage the enamel and the gums. So, the best way to keep one’s teeth white is to practice good oral hygiene and prevent stains in the first place. One should also go for regular dental check-ups to improve overall oral health and the appearance of their teeth. If nothing works, one can seek their dentist’s advice regarding whitening procedures and even pick a suitable whitening product that will not harm the enamel.