8 Top Tips for Cleaning Teeth

With age, teeth inevitably begin to turn yellow. But a range of strategies can slow the process and even reverse it! Teeth usually turn yellow due to enamel thinning or stains that get accumulated over years. So how to combat this process and give your teeth its whitening glow back?

Dietary Changes

Eliminating some foods that mark teeth can prevent further staining. Food and beverages that contain tannins, such as wine and tea, can stain the teeth. Coffee and dark sodas and juices can also stain them. Acidic foods can make the teeth look yellow by wearing down the enamel and people who are concerned about the color of their teeth should avoid the excessive consumption of citrus, coffee, and soda.

The experts at Pronsthodontics Dental Centre generally recommend waiting 30 minutes after eating before brushing the teeth. Acid can weaken the enamel and brushing them too soon can cause damage. Quitting smoking or tobacco products can also reduce the risk of nicotine stains as well as prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is the term for washing the mouth with oil to remove dirt, bacteria, and debris. It is not a substitute for regular brushing or flossing but some research suggests that washing the mouth with certain oil may help to whiten the teeth. Oils suitable for oil pulling include; coconut oil, sunflower oil, and sesame oil.

Although this can be viewed as not your typical teeth cleaning method, oil pulling is based on reliable scientific studies that show that it reduces cavities, whitens teeth, or improves oral health and well-being. So, do give it a try!

Brushing with Baking Soda

Baking soda can gently polish away stains on the surface of the teeth. Some people worry that baking soda is too harsh and may grind away enamel, but current research shows that it is absolutely safe and can be a great help in removing stains. Baking soda may also help to fight bacteria, which suggests that it may be able to reduce plaque and prevent tooth decay as well.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that and help to whiten stained teeth. For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1 minute twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally however.

Hydrogen peroxide may increase tooth sensitivity, so it is not suitable for long-term use or for people who already have sensitive teeth. However, at the end of the day, this practice is sure to work wonders on your teeth cleaning routine.

A Fruity Solution

Papain and bromelain are enzymes that occur in papayas and pineapples respectively. These enzymes are highly effective in teeth whitening. A 2012 study found preliminary evidence that solutions containing these ingredients could offer modest whitening effects. However, the authors of the study caution that more research is necessary to determine whether or not these enzymes are effective.

However, adding fruits to your diet is not going to cause any harm and will on the other hand, increase your vitality and health. And even if this method does not work, don’t worry; you’ve only been eating fruits!

Maintaining Excellent Oral Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the most important thing that a person can do to reduce tooth yellowing. Regular brushing and flossing protects the enamel, prevents gum decay, and removes stains. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and to clean around the gums and the backs of the teeth well.

Make it a habit to use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride can fight and even reverse tooth decay. Though some people oppose using fluoride, the experts at Pronsthodontics Dental Centre believe that fluoride is safe and beneficial for the teeth. Flossing is also a great way to remove plaque between the teeth and keep them healthy.

Visit the Dentist

Another great way to ensure your teeth are always healthy and white is to make it a must to visit the dentist at least twice a year. Dentists are specialised in determining how and why your teeth are turning yellow and can prescribe the right solution that fits you. At Pronsthodontics Dental Centre, the team is always a delight to visit. They take great care of their patients and ensure the end-result is as white as it gets.

Some Methods that Do Not Work

Natural teeth-whitening strategies that may harm the teeth include using lemons, oranges, apple cider vinegar, and activated charcoal.

Although teeth tend to get yellow with age, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and visiting the dentist twice a year can help to keep teeth bright. Natural remedies can help people whiten their teeth at home but in the end, a dentist is best suited to take care of your oral health.