Dental whitening.
Teeth whitening is among the most required dental treatments from patients all over the world; as it clearly appears from television, cinema, and advertising, have white teeth is a symbol of beauty and health and a synonymous of a happy life, since this characteristic might have good influences on self-esteem and improve the social relationship. Teeth whitening or bleaching, treatments can be done by the dentist, the dental hygienist or can be done at home, buying the several types of over-the-counter teeth whitening products.
Whiten teeth naturally.
In office treatments and over-the-counter products are based on chemical bleaching agents, first of all, carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, but some people might not like this kind of substances and might prefer natural remedies.
The color of the enamel is a genetic characteristic, but it can be darkened by an inadequate oral hygiene, the use of tobacco, some kind of drinks and foods that can cause stains on the teeth; teeth become yellow even as a consequence of the age, because the thickness of the enamel tend to reduce and the dentine gets more evident.
To maintain a good oral health and prevent the enamel from corrosion, the most important things are a daily oral hygiene and some precautions as, for example, rinse the mouth with water after eating coloured foods, and avoid much acidic foods, that might erode the enamel; at the same time, the stains may be avoided with daily brushing and flossing.
As regarding home-made products to whiten teeth, there are commonly used substances that can do the job. One of the most renowned substance is oil, an ancient method of the Ayurvedic medicine to get the mouth rid of bacteria and promote gum health: it is possible to use a tablespoon of oil (such as sesame, coconut, or olive oil) and rinse the mouth for about 15-20 minutes.
Coconut oil, with a few mashed peppermint leaves, can help remove some of the surface bacteria that yellow teeth.
Natural ways to whiten teeth.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a very popular remedy: it can be combined with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide; in the first case, the mixture has to be added to a toothpaste. Baking soda is alkaline and can help balance out the Ph and oppose the action of the acids that erode the enamel.
Baking soda can also be added to apples, pineapples, and strawberries: these foods contain an enzyme called malic acid, which may help to remove surface stains, but the citric acid in strawberries can break down the enamel.
Natural teeth whitening. Other remedies.
There are many other home remedies, based for example on apple cider vinegar and turmeric: all the natural methods have no scientific validation; they are usually not harmful, even if it is better to avoid acidic substances, but the most useful thing to do is to visit our dentist.
