Aging is a reality of life. And I know – we sometimes wish we could turn back the hands of time, perhaps to relive the youthful version of our former selves – a wish that any beggar would ride. Well, as we age, our teeth tend to discolor as tooth enamel wears away and reveals dentin, hence the yellow or darker appearance. Disease, oral trauma, or medication may also lead to discoloration.
If you’re at that point in life, you may want to pop over to the Natural Teeth website to learn more about ways to improve the look of your teeth. That said, if you’re scouring the web for home remedies for yellow teeth, you’re in luck. Here are a few natural ways to go about it:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
This is a popular home remedy for almost anything, and yellow teeth are no exception. ACV’s acidic nature can help remove stains on teeth by breaking up plaque.
To adopt this approach, mix a teaspoon of ACV with 3 ounces of water. Then, swish the mixture in your mouth before rinsing with water.
A word of caution: use ACV in small amounts and for only a short duration. While research suggests it helps bleach cow teeth, when used in large amounts, it can affect the structure of your teeth. But then again, human studies should suffice to expand and provide relatable findings.
2. Dietary Changes
Your diet can also impact the color of your teeth. Foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, soda, grapes, and berries can all lead to staining over time. Hence, you may notice your teeth taking on a yellowish hue if you consume these foods regularly. For instance, the acid in citrus fruits can wear away your enamel.
To prevent this, cut back on foods and drinks likely to cause staining. Additionally, brushing your teeth regularly can help keep stains at bay, preferably 30 or so minutes after your last meal – as dentists recommend.
Still, tobacco products also cause nicotine stains, not to mention the risk of gum disease or tooth decay. Hence, you may want to consider quitting smoking.
While at it, indulging in water-rich fruits or vegetables can promote dental health. Water is believed to rinse away harmful bacteria and acids that can cause cavities or gum disease. Chewing sugarless gum after meals is also effective as it helps induce saliva flow, which washes away food particles.
Although only a few scientific studies support this thought, there’s no question that a diet rich in healthy foods helps your overall well-being, including your oral health. And as is evident, a few tweaks to your lifestyle, including dietary changes, can give your teeth a better appearance.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is generally a mild abrasive that can remove surface stains on teeth. This household staple also doubles as a bacteria-fighting agent, implying it can avert tooth decay by reducing plaque.
For best results, mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with 2 teaspoons water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your teeths and massage them for about 2 minutes before rinsing off with water.
4. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is effective at whitening your teeth. Its high absorbency means it can eliminate toxins or harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Wet your toothbrush and dip it into the charcoal to make the most of it. Then, brush your teeth as usual. Rinse well afterward. Once or twice weekly will suffice for best results.
If you’re worried about staining your sink, you can put the charcoal in a small dish and then brush your teeths over the sink. You can also try brushing your teeth outside if you’re concerned about making a mess.
Go easy on your teeth and gums as activated charcoal can be particularly abrasive, meaning it can wear away your enamel. And if you have sensitive teeth, dab it on your teeth and leave it for 3 minutes before your final rinse.
Alternatively, prepare a mouthwash by mixing the charcoal with some water. Then, swish the mixture in your mouth before spitting it out and rinsing your mouth.
There you go – some home remedies to get those pearly whites shining again. As it turns out, restoring your teeth isn’t that difficult. With these natural approaches, you can achieve great results without resorting to expensive treatments. And when you do, you’ll probably feel more confident about flashing your smile more, no? Meanwhile, I hope this non-exhaustive list of options leads you in the right direction.
