7 DIY Ways To Help You Whiten Yellow Teeth

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure aimed at improving the appearance of teeth by reducing discoloration and staining. The natural color of teeth can be affected by various factors including diet, age, tobacco use, and certain medications. Teeth whitening treatments work by removing or reducing these stains to achieve a brighter, whiter smile.

There are two main types of teeth whitening:

- In-Office Whitening: Performed by a dental professional, this method typically uses a stronger bleaching agent and advanced techniques like laser or light activation to enhance results. It’s often the quickest way to achieve significant whitening.

- At-Home Whitening: This includes over-the-counter products such as whitening toothpaste, strips, or gels, and custom-fitted trays provided by a dentist. These treatments generally take longer to produce noticeable results but can be more convenient and cost-effective.

Both methods work by breaking down the stains on the teeth into smaller, less visible particles. Active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are commonly used in whitening products to achieve this effect. It’s important to follow proper guidelines and consider any potential side effects, such as tooth sensitivity, to ensure safe and effective results.

There are several DIY methods you can try to help whiten yellow teeth:

# Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Brush your teeth with this mixture a few times a week, but don’t overdo it as it can be abrasive.

# Activated Charcoal

Brush your teeth with activated charcoal powder. It can help absorb stains and toxins. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.

# Apple Cider Vinegar

Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (about one part vinegar to two parts water) and use it as a mouthwash. Rinse your mouth with water afterward to prevent acid from damaging your teeth.

# Coconut Oil Pulling

Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. This may help reduce bacteria and improve the whiteness of your teeth.

# Strawberries and Baking Soda

Mash a few strawberries and mix them with baking soda. Apply this mixture to your teeth and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

# Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Mix lemon juice with baking soda to form a paste. Apply it to your teeth, leave it for a minute or two, and then rinse thoroughly. Be cautious with this method as lemon juice is acidic and can erode enamel over time.

# Banana Peel

Rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for a few minutes. The minerals in the peel, like potassium and magnesium, can help whiten teeth.

10 Foods that can negatively impact your teeth:

# Sugary Candies and Sweets

Sugary candies, especially sticky ones like caramels and gummy bears, can cling to your teeth and provide fuel for bacteria that cause tooth decay. The longer sugar stays on your teeth, the more damage it can cause.

# Soda and Sugary Drinks

Sodas and other sugary drinks are high in sugar and acids that can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. The carbonation in these drinks can also wear down the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.

# Citrus Fruits and Juices

While citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are healthy, their high acidity can erode enamel over time, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. It's best to consume these in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

# Coffee and Tea

Both coffee and tea can stain your teeth over time, leading to a yellowish appearance. Additionally, coffee is acidic and can contribute to enamel erosion if consumed in large quantities.

# Ice

Chewing on ice can damage your teeth by causing cracks or chips in the enamel. This habit can also irritate the soft tissue inside the tooth, leading to toothaches.

# Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages can dry out your mouth by reducing saliva production. Saliva is essential for washing away food particles and neutralizing acids, so a dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

# White Bread

White bread and other starchy foods break down into sugars when chewed. These sugars can become trapped in the crevices of your teeth, feeding bacteria and leading to cavities. The stickiness of bread can make it difficult to remove completely.

# Dried Fruits

While dried fruits like raisins and apricots are nutritious, they are also sticky and high in natural sugars. The stickiness allows them to cling to your teeth, promoting the growth of bacteria that cause cavities.

# Chips and Crackers

Like white bread, chips and crackers are starchy foods that can get stuck in your teeth. They break down into sugars and can feed harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

# Vinegar-Based Foods

Pickles, salad dressings, and other vinegar-based foods are highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel. Frequent consumption can weaken your teeth, making them more prone to sensitivity and decay.

10 Foods that are great for your teeth:

# Cheese

Cheese is rich in calcium and phosphates, which help strengthen tooth enamel. It also stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth that can lead to tooth decay.

# Yogurt

Yogurt is high in calcium and probiotics. The beneficial bacteria in yogurt can help fight harmful bacteria in your mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

# Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich in calcium, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals that are essential for oral health. They help strengthen enamel and improve gum health.

# Carrots

Carrots are crunchy and high in fiber, which makes them great for your teeth. Chewing raw carrots stimulates saliva production, which naturally cleanses your teeth and helps remove food particles.

# Apples

Apples have a high water content, which helps rinse away food particles and bacteria. Their fibrous texture also stimulates the gums and increases saliva flow, which is essential for maintaining oral health.

# Almonds

Almonds are a good source of calcium and protein, which are vital for healthy teeth. They are low in sugar, making them a tooth-friendly snack that helps maintain strong enamel.

# Celery

Celery is another crunchy vegetable that acts like a natural toothbrush. It scrapes away food particles and bacteria from your teeth while stimulating saliva production, which helps prevent plaque buildup.

# Strawberries

Strawberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help protect your gums from inflammation and promote healing. The malic acid in strawberries can also naturally whiten teeth.

# Chewing Gum with Xylitol

While not technically a food, sugar-free gum containing xylitol is excellent for oral health. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can reduce bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities. Chewing gum also stimulates saliva production.

# Water

Water is essential for overall health, including oral health. It helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your teeth, keeping your mouth clean and hydrated. Fluoridated water is especially beneficial as it helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.