Having a radiant smile is important for many people, but the harsh chemicals used in some teeth whitening treatments can damage tooth enamel and irritate the gums. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to safely whiten your teeth without bleaching them.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for reducing teeth staining and discolouration. Regular brushing and occasional flossing removes surface plaque, debris, and inner teeth discoloration. In addition, using a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash can help to reduce excess staining of your teeth without the use of harsh bleaching agents.
Use Baking Soda to Whiten Your Teeth.
Baking soda is a common household product which can be used to help whiten teeth without bleaching. It works as an abrasive that gently removes surface stains and discoloration on the enamel. To use, mix a few drops of water with ½ teaspoon of baking soda to create a paste. Using your toothbrush, brush your teeth with the paste for 2 minutes, before rinsing it off with some cool water. Do this once or twice a week and keep in mind that baking soda can damage tooth enamel if overused.
Try Oil Pulling for a Natural Whitening Solution.
Oil pulling is an ancient Indian technique that involves swishing oil in your mouth for several minutes at a time to remove plaque, bacteria, and discoloration from teeth. It’s important to use only organic oils like coconut or sesame oil as they are natural antiseptics and will help to kill the bacteria in the mouth. Swish 1 tablespoon of either oil around in your mouth for 15 minutes once a day, before spitting it out and thoroughly rinsing with fresh water. Doing this regularly can help work out tough stains without causing damage to your enamel.
Eat Strawberries to Naturally Brighten Your Smile.
Strawberries are packed with malic acid, an ingredient that acts as a natural astringent, helping to remove surface discoloration and plaque. Mash up one ripe strawberry and mix it with a teaspoon of baking soda to make a paste. Apply the mixture liberally to your teeth and leave it for five minutes before brushing away. Do this once or twice a week for best results and be sure to drink water after each application as strawberries can be acidic if ingested in large amounts.
Rinse With Hydrogen Peroxide to See Whitening Results Quickly.
Hydrogen peroxide is an age-old remedy for a brighter smile. It disinfects mouth bacteria and provides quick whitening results. To use, mix three parts water to one part hydrogen peroxide in a cup, swish it around your mouth for one minute and then spit it out. Do this twice a week maximum, as excessive use of hydrogen peroxide can damage your teeth enamel.