How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally

What Is Teeth Whitening?

It is a process of eliminating stains and discoloration in teeth. These stains can be brown or white specs, black or brown streaks, or overall yellowing of teeth. Therefore, teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that brightens teeth color using various techniques and products to improve a smile’s appearance.

Why Would You Need to Whiten Your Teeth?

Various factors can affect teeth color. Some of the factors that cause stains and discoloration, necessitating whitening your teeth are:

1. Discoloration due to age – the older you get, the more your teeth are yellow or brown due to the accumulation of surface stains and wear and tear on the enamel.
2. Consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries – can leave surface stains on teeth.
3. Smoking and using other tobacco products – leave yellow or brown stains on teeth.
4. Poor dental hygiene – inadequate brushing and flossing lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which discolor teeth.
5. Some medications can cause discoloration – particularly if taken during early childhood when teeth are still developing.
6. Genetics – some people are more prone to yellow or brown teeth due to their genetic makeup.
7. Trauma – injuries cause fractures that can result in discoloration of the cracked or broken tooth.

How Do Dentists Whiten Teeth?

Dentists in a dental office in Charlotte can perform teeth whitening in their offices using different techniques, including the following:

1. In-office bleaching: It is a professional-grade treatment that involves a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, often with a light or laser to activate the bleachers. Professional teeth whitening in Charlotte is typically completed in one to three sessions, often with dramatic results. Therefore, dentists consider professional teeth whitening as the quickest, safest, and most effective method for brightening teeth.
2. Take-home kits: Sometimes, a dentist may provide custom-made trays to use at home. These trays feature a lower concentration of bleaching agent and should be worn for a set amount of time each day, typically for several weeks. It is the best solution if you want treatment outside a dental clinic near you. Visit your dentist first for them to tailor the whitening kits to your oral cavity before you start whitening teeth at home.
3. Combination treatments: Did you know dentists can sometimes use a combination of in-office and take-home treatments for optimal results? It is mostly the case for removing stubborn stains.
4. Microabrasion: It involves removing a small amount of the tooth’s surface using a mild acid and an abrasive polishing paste to improve the teeth’ color and overall appearance.

Can You Successfully Whiten Teeth Naturally?

Generally, many people have claimed that several natural remedies have helped to whiten their teeth. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of some of these remedies, particularly regarding removing stubborn intrinsic stains. Still, some of the methods can have slight improvements in your general smile’s appearance, especially in targeting newly-formed surface stains. Some natural solutions for whitening teeth are:

1. Baking soda – has mild abrasive properties that remove surface stains on teeth. You can use it in toothpaste or mix it with water to create a paste that cleans your teeth.
2. Hydrogen peroxide – is a natural bleaching agent that can lighten teeth. Usually, people use it in combination with baking soda to create a natural whitening paste.
3. Apple cider vinegar – is acidic and can help remove stains on teeth. However, it can also erode tooth enamel if you use it too frequently or in high concentrations.
4. Activated charcoal – is a fine black powder that can absorb toxins and stains on teeth. You can use it in toothpaste or apply it directly to your teeth as a paste.

Generally, even though these natural remedies may provide some level of brightening, use them cautiously. Better yet, do not rely on them as a substitute for professional dental treatment. Some are harsh on tooth enamel and cause damage when used improperly. Besides, natural remedies may not be as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments. They also take longer to produce noticeable results.