Nobody likes to go out and smile in front of people with yellowed and stained teeth. Not only can stained teeth ruin the appearance of your smile, but they can also affect your self-image and public confidence to a significant extent. Moreover, people usually find yellow teeth unappealing, so you may appear unattractive before them.
These factors can surely make one desperate for a teeth whitening treatment from a Monterey cosmetic dentist. However, if you want to opt for a natural method or one you can try at home, there are a few options. While these may not work as quickly or effectively as a professional teeth whitening treatment in Monterey, you can still see some difference.
Ways to whiten your teeth naturally
- Making dietary changes.
One way to prevent your teeth from staining is to eliminate the food items that contain strong pigmentation, such as wine, tea, coffee, dark sodas, and juices. The key is to avoid any foods or beverages that contain dark and heavy colors.
Acid can also wear down the color of your teeth. If you are worried about staining, try avoiding the consumption of citrus, coffee, and soda. If you must have them, brush properly afterward.
- Brushing and flossing.
Good oral hygiene is truly the best way to keep your smile looking its best. Brushing properly with the right toothbrush and toothpaste will eliminate stains and remove food particles that can cause cavities and plaque.
There is also whitening toothpaste which contains a few more special ingredients. Flossing is also important because it gets rid of the food that could turn into plaque and make your teeth look darker.
- Oil pulling.
Oil pulling is a traditional method of teeth whitening developed by Indians. It is meant to improve your overall oral health and hygiene. The process involves swishing oil inside your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Any oil can be used for this, but sesame and sunflower oil is preferred more. The most commonly opted oil is coconut, which has several health benefits and tastes good.
While there has been no scientific research on whether this method works or not, the people who have tried it seem to be pleased with the results.
- Brushing with baking soda.
Brushing with a mixture of water and baking soda is proved to be effective in teeth whitening. It gently polishes away the stains on your teeth without damaging them or wearing them down. Some people believe baking soda is too harsh, but recent studies say the opposite. Additionally, the substance is supposed to remove bacteria and eliminate plaque formation.