We live in an age almost ruled by coffee, which happens to be one of the biggest contributors to teeth turning yellow. While the number one step to getting whiter teeth would be to limit your coffee intake, some of us may not be ready for that.
So, here is a list of natural ways you can try to whiten yellow teeth, in your own home.
Table of Contents
Yellow teeth causes and treatments
Dental hygiene is important, as unhygienic teeth can be a contributing factor to many diseases in other parts of the body if care is not taken. One of the biggest ways we can damage our teeth is through acidic foods and drinks.
In fact, many times, the reason for yellow teeth is due to the consumption of an acidic diet that causes the enamel to wear away on the teeth if they are not properly cared for.
Disadvantages of whitening
There are a number of teeth whitening options that one can explore through professional dentists or the pharmacy. There is no question that these products do the job, but drawbacks have been reported for these options that do not exist with the correct use of the methods below.
Many times, the treatments used by professional dentists use harsh ingredients that can have a very powerful effect on the gums and teeth. These can create sensitivity for both, even after the first use.
For example, studies suggest that 1/3 to 1/2 of all people who use whites trips or brand-name whitening strips will experience some degree of irritation to their gum tissues.
Home remedies for yellow teeth
If you’ve tried these products in the past, you may have seen great results and didn’t have the irritation, but if you did, try the following options for a more natural approach that’s more in line with a sustainable option as well.
1. Baking soda
The baking soda is known for being one of the most effective whitening yellow teeth options. This is why you see it added to a number of toothpaste brands. Just add something to your toothbrush while it’s fairly wet and then brush your teeth.
Make sure the baking soda is wet enough and not dry as too dry can scratch the nail polish. But once wet, it becomes smooth and dissolves, do it three times a week. Make sure you don’t use it dry. You can also use it as a mouthwash. Just put a tablespoon of it in a glass of water and swish.
2. Strawberries for yellow teeth
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C that helps make your teeth whiter. You can do this by crushing some strawberries and then applying them to your teeth. Let it sit for about 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse your mouth well.
3. Lemon helps against yellow teeth
Lemon has solid bleaching power, many have used it for their hair, but it can be used for yellowing teeth as well. Squeeze the lemon juice into a small bowl and add some sea salt to it.
Grind to a smooth paste. Apply on the teeth and let it sit for 3 – 5 minutes. Rinse well. It’s important to clear this up really well, as you don’t want to let it sit for long periods of time and break the enamel. You can do this method about three times a week.
4. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used very effectively to whiten yellow teeth. Due to its very mild whitening properties, it can be put on teeth topically to help remove stains. Create a 30/60 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.
Use it as a rinse for about 60 seconds and then spit out. Also try putting it directly on your teeth with a Q-tip and letting it sit for 60 seconds. This works fine too.
5. Banana peel
This one is controversial and you may need to try first to see how it works on your own teeth. Some healthcare professionals say it works, while others say it doesn’t. In the end, the sandy surface of the banana peel, which is rich in magnesium and potassium, can polish the teeth and helps remove some enamel stains.
To do so, you just need to rub your teeth with the inside of a ripe banana peel for 2 – 5 minutes. Rinse when you’re done. Do this twice a day.