January is national hot tea month! With the cold weather setting in, you may want to cuddle up with a cup of hot tea. Unfortunately, enjoying tea or coffee produces consequences for your teeth. These beverages will stain enamel, causing it to appear yellow. This happens because the enamel on our teeth wears down and makes them easier to stain. This article contains tips for keeping a white smile using natural ingredients. These simple, natural whitening tips will help your smile survive all the tea and coffee you’re drinking this winter.
Baking soda and peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a great way to fight stained teeth and gum disease. By swishing your mouth with a half peroxide, half water rinse, you’ll be whitening your teeth while also cleaning it. It eliminates bacteria that can get trapped inside scratches in the enamel. You can also create a whitening paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. This paste will also help remove plaque from teeth as well as whitening them. Use the paste for about 30 seconds then rinse it out with water. After using this mixture, make sure to brush your teeth normally after to ensure they are all clean. If using this method, do it sparingly because using it every day can be abrasive on teeth.
Coconut oil
You can whiten your teeth by simply swishing around a spoonful of coconut oil from 5 to 20 minutes. You can also apply some to your toothbrush when brushing your teeth. The oil whitens teeth as well as protects gums from disease.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural teeth and gum cleaner as well as an antibiotic. It works to whiten teeth and remove bacteria from gums. Swishing it in your mouth will help remove plaque and stains from teeth. Similar to using baking soda, you will need to brush your teeth after use
Lemon or orange peels
By eating these fruits, or rubbing the peel on your teeth, the acid in them attacks plaque and stains. Like other methods, rinsing your mouth out or brushing your teeth is best after this way of whitening. Too much acid in the mouth can break down enamel, which is not good for your teeth since it does not grow back.
Eating strawberries
By either eating strawberries or mashing them up and rubbing them on your teeth, they will help whiten your teeth and kill bacteria in your mouth. To help whitening even more, do a baking soda rinse after applying the berry paste to your mouth for 5 to 10 minutes.
Activated charcoal
Using activated charcoal can absorb plaque on your teeth as well as fight stains. Wet your toothbrush, dip in the activated charcoal powder, then brush your teeth normally. After using, be sure to rinse out using water and repeat 2 to 3 times a week. Avoid using activated charcoal if you have crowns, caps or porcelain veneers.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to naturally whiten your teeth during hot tea season. Make sure to keep brushing twice a day for best results. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, feel free to give us a call at (215) 567-4949 and we’ll help you as best we can.
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