There’s no better feeling than being confident in your smile. But, over time, our teeth are exposed to acidic and dark-colored drinks that thin the enamel, leaving them vulnerable to stains and discoloration.
If you’re unhappy with your teeth because they’ve yellowed or have a brown hue, you’re not alone. In fact, 28% of people don’t smile in photos because they’re unhappy with their teeth.
To make matters worse, people assume that the only way to restore their smile is to pay hundreds of dollars for in-office whitening services. Others purchase at-home kits that can be quite dangerous if used incorrectly.
Luckily there are all sorts of safe and natural tricks that can be used to whiten the teeth. Here are 7 teeth hacks that will give you back your pearly whites.
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Brush with Baking Soda
One of the most common ingredients in most toothpastes and powders is baking soda. While this isn’t a solution you’ll want to use daily as it can be quite harsh on the teeth, brushing with baking soda every so often does help with tooth discoloration.
Since baking soda doesn’t taste great, try sprinkling some on top of your natural toothpaste. Using this treatment once a week will brighten and whiten your smile.
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LED Light
If you’ve recently browsed social media, you’ve likely seen people using an LED light to whiten their teeth. The problem with most LED whitening kits is that they use harmful chemicals that can burn the gums and mouth if left on for too long. Teeth bleaching products can also cause tooth sensitivity that can sometimes be permanent. Some at-home users also experience uneven whitening results.
For whiter teeth without using bleach and other harmful chemicals, you’ll want to invest in an LED natural teeth whitening system. The kit available from Primal Life Organics offers a one-size-fits-most mouthpiece as well as a jar of all-natural whitening paste. This paste uses all natural ingredients and whitens, polishes, and cleans the teeth.
The LED whitener uses 16 lights that omit a 480nm wavelength. This strength has proven to be effective in treating periodontal disease and gum disease. The bulbs are designed to last 50,000 hours and the best part is that there are no batteries! You can charge the kit using a USB, Android, or iPhone adapter.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Swish
Stubborn stains are the toughest to get rid of. But discoloration is no match for the all-powerful apple cider vinegar. To restore your teeth to their original whiteness, combine a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and ½ cup of water. Swish the solution in your mouth for at least 30 seconds and then spit and rinse.
Aside from whiter teeth, apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for your oral health in that it gets rid of bacteria and can even help with bad breath!
Be sure to avoid overusing apple cider vinegar as it can break down enamel.
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Oil Pull
If swishing with vinegar isn’t your forte, how does swishing oil sound? Oil pulling is a folk remedy that originates from India. The technique is said to remove the toxins and bacteria from the mouth.
While some techniques from the past are pure folklore, studies have found that oil pulling is beneficial. A study found that the technique improves oral hygiene when practiced regularly.
Oil pulling is quite effortless. Put a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil in your mouth and then swish it for two minutes.
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Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has become the latest health trend. The ingredient is used in facial cleansers and soaps. What’s most shocking is that activated charcoal is effective in whitening the teeth.
Activated charcoal absorbs plaque and bacteria on your teeth that can cause discoloration. Brushing with the black powder a few times a week can have a serious impact.
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Snack on Firm Foods
Food usually gets a bad rep when it comes to taking care of your teeth. What’s important is to eat the right foods and to brush on a consistent basis to remove any particles that may be stuck between and on your teeth.
Firm and crisp foods, such as apples, celery and raw carrots, not only give you the crunch you’re craving, but they also help clean your teeth. They’re sort of like natural toothbrushes that help get rid of built-up plaque and bacteria.
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Avoid Dark-Colored Drinks
Soda, coffee, black tea, and red wine are all popular drinks. While they taste amazing, they aren’t great for your teeth, especially when consumed on a daily basis. These drinks can not only stain your teeth, but they can also weaken and thin the enamel. This leaves teeth vulnerable to deep stains that can be permanent.
When you’re drinking a dark-colored liquid, use a straw. This minimizes the contact it has with your teeth, therefore lessening the risk of stains. If using a straw isn’t possible, be sure to brush your teeth after drinking and be sure to consume plenty of water to wash down any leftover sugar that may be lingering in your saliva.
Conclusion
Whitening your teeth doesn’t have to be expensive or dangerous. Using these 7 tricks, you can restore your smile and get back to putting your best face forward.
What are your favorite products for whitening your teeth? Leave us a comment with your thoughts in the section below.
