Everyone loves a brilliant white smile! You see them all over magazines and the internet, boasting a beauty that lots of us desire. If you’re trying to brighten your smile, you might’ve tried different products from the store, like special toothpaste or whitening strips. However, these often don’t make a huge difference in teeth color.
Teeth-whitening isn’t as simple as it seems. Our teeth get coated by a thin film from everyday food and drinks, and while some whitening products may shine your teeth up a bit, true whitening happens deep below the surface.
In recent years, many have turned to cosmetic dentistry for a more dramatic whitening effect. Dentists found that they could use hydrogen peroxide to bleach the teeth way back in the 80s, and have since perfected the method, making it faster and providing dazzling results using light to speed up the process.
However, these procedures have some side effects, which can vary a lot from person to person. Some people end up with uneven coloring, others become more sensitive to hot and cold, and, in the worst cases, some people experience severe pain or even chemical burns.
If you’re worried about those risks, consider trying some natural remedies at home before shelling out big bucks for cosmetic dentistry. Here are a few suggestions:
Baking Soda: You’ve seen toothpaste with baking soda before, right? It works wonders at home too. Make a paste with some water, and its slightly rough texture and oxygen-release will help scrub those stains away.
Coconut Oil: It may not sound appealing, but oil pulling – gargling with oil – is popular for clearing out mouth bacteria and reducing plaque and stains. Just melt some coconut oil and swish it between your teeth. But kids shouldn’t try this – there’s a risk of choking.
Activated Charcoal: Not the kind from the grill! Activated charcoal can be a bit messy, but its abrasive, absorbent nature is great for lifting stains off your teeth.
Manuka Honey: Brush with sweet honey? It sounds strange, but manuka honey has antiseptic properties and has been shown to work as well as alcohol-based mouthwash. Dilute it with water to cut the sweetness.
Turmeric: It’s a bright yellow spice, but believe it or not, it can actually help whiten your teeth! Thanks to its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, it can keep your gums healthy and your teeth stain-free. Give it a try – people have been using it for ages!
Before you take the costly step of professional whitening treatment, you might want to explore these safer, natural methods. There’s plenty of options for you to try to get that shining smile you’ve been dreaming of!
Written by:
Rebecca Harper is an independent writer based in London. Specializing in health, beauty, and lifestyle, Rebecca has a particular fascination with cosmetic surgery claims while collaborating with a legal firm in Manchester.
