How to lighten your teeth: 4 home remedies

How to lighten your teeth: 4 home remedies

A smile expresses her feelings. But if your teeth are yellow, stained or discolored, it may be uncomfortable for you to show your grin.

and they are not alone. More than 37 million Americans and over 10 % of Germans used tooth bleaching.

There are a number of new products and home remedies with which you can bring your teeth to a high gloss. We contacted Dentist Anne Clemons to find out which treatments they can try out at home.

Can you lighten your teeth at home?

Yes, there are a handful of methods that can make your teeth appear white. Dr. However, Clemons warns that some treatments have side effects.

"Most effects are temporary," she says. “Sensitivity or guminations can occur.

It is also important to know what kind of discoloration you have. Most products for at home treat extrinsic discoloration - discoloration on the outside of their teeth. These types of discoloration are caused by things like red wine, tea, coffee and smoking.

intrinsic discoloration are the result of a discoloration of the tooth itself, either the enamel or dentin. Sometimes this can be caused by genetic disorders or medication that you have taken as a child. Age also has a lot to do with it.

"With increasing age, the outer surface of the tooth, the white enamel, is thinner and the dentin below is yellow," says Dr. Clemons.

If you want to lighten your teeth, you will find a few popular treatments for at home here.

hydrogen peroxide

hydrogen peroxide, a natural bleach, can be used to brighten the teeth. Bleaching is a chemical process in which the color -causing molecules are broken down by oxidation and the bonds are changed or removed. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum infections.

"The main thing is to change the perception of the white level of the teeth," says Dr. Clemons. “Bleeding is what changes the intrinsic discoloration.

hydrogen peroxide is usually harmless if it is contained in products such as mouthwash and toothpaste, but make sure how much it is used.

"The concentrations can be very different," says Dr. Clemons. “Search for products that are specially formulated for use in dentistry, because then you have a more controlled percentage of it.

Instead of using pure hydrogen peroxide at home (which is not recommended), Clemons says that you achieve safe and effective results with a gel or bleaching strip. Just make sure to follow the instructions and not to keep the application more than specified.

"A good result depends on how long the peroxide has been in contact with the tooth," she says. “Something like a gel or a strip that stays on the tooth longer leads to better results than toothpaste or mouthwash.

baking powder / soda

the loyal ingredient from the pantry has many uses, including lightening the teeth. But here, too, Dr. Clemons to search for dental care products that contain baking powder.

"The good baking powder is that it is less abrasive than many other ingredients," she says. “If you compare it to other tooth white pastes, it doesn't have the same grit, so it is a little gentler on your teeth.

In fact, Dr. Clemons that toothpaste with baking powder is more effective when removing stains than some other toothpaste varieties.

"With each of these toothpastes, you should make sure that you still get fluoride," she says. “One of the main advantages of a toothpaste is that they get fluoride on the teeth at least twice a day.

oil pulling

the oil pulling, a traditional Indian method, can be time -consuming and may not bring the hoped -for results.

"I didn't see any good evidence that it brightens my teeth," says Dr. Clemons.

The procedure is to rinse a tablespoon of oil such as sesame, coconut or sunflower oil in the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. The thought is that the oil not only cleans the teeth, but also the interdental spaces.

"Oil pulling is not a replacement for cleaning your teeth," says Dr. Clemons. “It is not a substitute for brushing your teeth and using dental floss, but can be used in combination with them.

bleaching strips or rails

bleaching strips or rails are a popular way to lighten your teeth and can have a positive effect on your smile.

Most products contain carbamide peroxide (chemical that contains hydrogen peroxide) or hydrogen peroxide. As a rule, you have to carry the solution on your teeth for 30 to 45 minutes a day.

"If you use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, you will achieve the real blade result," says Dr. Clemons. "These chemicals open the bonds of the color -causing molecules and they will actually see a result."

With the many options that are available for use at home, you should pay particular attention to the fit. An individual adjustment, especially with spoons, gives you more control about where the gel or the formula comes and how long it stays. This not only contributes to the effectiveness of the treatment, but can also protect your gums and teeth from side effects such as sensitivity and toothic descriptions.

How long do the results last?

The way to a radiant smile depends on what treatment you use and how long you use you, says Dr. Clemons.

"It can take a few weeks before you achieve the same result with a kind of strip, while it may take seven days with a slightly stronger treatment," she says.

Before you start with lightening treatment, you should make sure that your teeth are healthy.

"If there is a tooth decay or gum disease and you apply a bleaching solution to your teeth and gums, it is more likely that you have negative effects," says Dr. Clemons.

tips for the prevention of tooth discoloration

There are claims that other products such as activated carbon, kaolinde, apple cider vinegar and fruits such as pineapple and strawberries can remove spots, but Dr. Clemons has not seen any evidence of their effectiveness. In fact, the acid of apple cider vinegar and fruits as well as the abrasive effects of activated carbon can attack the enamel.

Since the prevention of tooth discoloration can be a constant struggle, you can combat stains in addition to lightening treatment before they arise:

• Slide tooth -coloring foods and drinks such as coffee, tea and wine
• Stop smoking on
• Brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss
• Regular tooth cleaning to remove more plaque and superficial discoloration