Why Sugar Is Harmful for Your Teeth?
A pearly white smile is something that everyone desires. Having white teeth is a sign of good oral health and personal hygiene. Stained teeth not only lead to a lack of confidence but also results in severe dental issues like tooth decay and gum diseases. Intake of sugary food and beverages, tobacco, poor oral hygiene, physical trauma, and age are culprits behind stained teeth. However, apart from switching to a healthy lifestyle and oral care routine, there are ways in which you can whiten teeth. Here are a few options that help whiten teeth and promote good oral hygiene.
Whitening Products
Several over the counter products are available that helps whiten your teeth. These are great for stains on your tooth enamel. Because your tooth enamel comes into contact with everything you consume, it absorbs the pigment left over by the food and beverages, staining your teeth. Such stains, being on the outer layer, can be cleaned by the use of whitening products like whitening toothpaste, gel, and whitening strips. However, these products may not be helpful on stains that have gone deeper through the enamel.
Home Remedies to Whiten Teeth
There are several home remedies that help you whiten your teeth and flaunt your bright smile. Two of these remedies include:
Lemon and Orange
Citrus fruits that contain beneficial acids help you whiten your teeth. Rubbing your teeth with an orange or lemon peel on a regular basis, for a couple of weeks, helps whiten your teeth. You can also form a paste by mixing few drops of lemon juice with salt. Rub the paste on your teeth and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth. Make sure you rub the paste or peel gently to avoid eroding your protective tooth enamel.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
You can make a mouthwash by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda, one and a half teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with a cup of cold water. Rinse your mouth with it two or three times a day and make sure you do not swallow it. You can also mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste and brush with it. Later, brush with your regular toothpaste.
Dental Treatments
While home remedies and whitening products help prevent and remove not so severe stains, they cannot treat deep stains. Stains that penetrate through the enamel and go deeper must be treated by a professional dentist. Such stains may be caused by physical trauma, exposure to excessive fluoride in childhood, or may simply be normal stains gone deeper. Bonding, veneers, laser treatments, and professional cleaning are dental treatments to whiten your teeth.
While stained teeth may seem like a minor issue, they are capable of causing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Hence, it is best to visit a dentist to get them examined and whiten teeth. The dentist will also guide you with valuable tips to maintain oral hygiene and achieve a bright, white smile.
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