by Lizzie Weakley
Whiter teeth make you want to smile! Not only that, but whiter teeth
take years off your appearance. With all the chemical and bleaching
whiteners available, it is good to know there are natural ways to keep
your teeth white and your smile fresh. Here are seven ways to enhance your appearance and boost your dental health.
1. Lemon and Baking Soda
This traditional method is effective and is one of the most popular whiteners. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with freshly squeezed lemon juice, then brush the mixture on your teeth. Be sure you don’t leave it on your teeth very long, as the acid in lemon juice can be corrosive to your tooth enamel. A minute should be long enough. Only use this method once a week.
2. Enjoy an Apple
Apples contain malic acid, which is a natural stain remover. As you
crunch an apple (or other fresh fruits and vegetables), the malic acid
works on enamel stains, and the fibrous consistency removes bacteria and other food trapped in your teeth. Fruits and vegetables are also part of a well-balanced diet, and good physical health contributes to good oral health.
3. Drink your Milk, Eat your Cheese
Milk and cheese are rich in calcium, iron, and phosphate, which help
make tooth enamel stronger. The casein protein found in dairy products
will also help prevent cavities. For optimal benefit, enjoy milk and
cheese following your meal.
4. Visit your Dentist, and Floss
According to Eastgate Dental Centre, no home remedies
replace regular visits with your dentist. They will remind you to brush
and floss, and diagnose any physical conditions that may contribute to
yellowing teeth. Many hygienists and dentists have found that flossing is equally important to brushing, removing plaque and food from between teeth that cause staining.
5. Swish with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide
prevents bacteria from growing in the mouth, and helps prevent
infections and bad breath. Use food-grade hydrogen peroxide and swish
for a few seconds, being careful to spit it all out. If you don’t want
to use hydrogen peroxide full strength, make a half-water, half-hydrogen
peroxide solution and swish for a minute.
6. Drink Through a Straw
Your teeth won’t become stained with wine, soda, tea, or coffee if the beverages do not directly contact the teeth. Drinking through a straw prevents beverages from staining the enamel of your teeth.
7. Make Your Own Toothpaste
An all-natural toothpaste is easy to make. Combine 2/3 cup baking soda,
1 teaspoon fine sea salt (decrease amount or omit if the salty taste is
too strong), 10 to 15 drops of peppermint (or another flavor) essential
oil, and water to create proper consistency. This mixture is the
equivalent of a tube of toothpaste, and is better for whiter teeth and good oral health.
A combination of natural teeth whiteners, a healthy diet,
and good oral hygiene will keep your smile looking white and bright.
Visit your dentist regularly, and others will wish their smile looked as
great as yours.
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