Everyone wants white teeth and some even resort to expensive dental procedures to achieve that.

White teeth symbolises good oral hygiene which is not only aesthetically pleasing but is also beneficial to the body. Check out some of the cheap and natural ways of keeping your teeth white and healthy.

1. Dietary changes

It is important to eliminate food that stain your teeth in the first place. Foods and beverages that contain tannins, such as wine, tea, coffee and dark sodas and juices are just some of the examples.

Acidic foods can make the teeth look yellow by wearing down the enamel. People who are concerned about the colour of their teeth should avoid the excessive consumption of citrus, coffee, and soda.

Dentists generally recommend waiting 30 minutes after eating before brushing the teeth. Acids can weaken the enamel, so brushing too soon can cause damage.

Quitting smoking or tobacco products can reduce the risk of nicotine stains. It can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can damage the enamel and cause oral health issues.

2. Oil pulling

Oil pulling is famously recommended in Ayurveda to remove dirt, bacteria, and debris in the mouth with natural oil. It is not a substitute for regular brushing or flossing, but some research suggests that washing the mouth with certain oils may help to whiten the teeth.

All one has to do is to gargle with oil for 20 minutes before brushing then spit it out. Oils suitable for oil pulling include; coconut oil, sunflower oil and sesame oil.

3. 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 research from 2017 found it to be a safe way to remove stains.

Baking soda may also help to fight bacteria, which suggests that it may be able to reduce plaque and prevent tooth decay.

4. Using hydrogen peroxide

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

Hydrogen peroxide may increase tooth sensitivity, so it is not suitable for long-term use or for people who already have sensitive teeth.

Source: Draxe
Photo Credit: Health365 & Kavya K