It’s true that there are lots of teeth whitening products available practically anywhere, but they all contain a few ingredients that can harm the teeth or gums. A completely harmless way to whiten teeth is to go for a natural method. But do these methods work at all? Are they effective? Let’s see.
Using acidic products
A great way to whiten teeth is to use lemon juice or mashed strawberries. Both have natural bleaching effect because of the acid they contain. The acid is a great component in getting rid of stains or yellowness. However, the acid also damages the enamel, so you should be very careful and use it only once in a while. The best way to use those fruits is to either rub the lemon peel or the strawberry over your teeth, or add their juice to the regular toothpaste.
Mixing baking soda
Baking soda is probably the most known way to whiten teeth. The simplest way is to add a little baking soda to your toothpaste and brush your teeth with it. Another way is to make your own mixture of baking soda and peroxide and leave it on the teeth for a few minutes every day.
Both baking soda and peroxide contain bleaching agents that are great for getting rid of stains. It’s recommended though, to not use these products all the time, because they might cause gum sensitivity or even mouth ulcers. So, the best thing is to use it for about a month, and then make a pause for a few weeks.
Eating green vegetables
Certain green vegetables (especially the crunchy ones) are another great way to strengthen the teeth and to get rid of stains. Foods like celery, apples, cucumbers, asparagus and green beans are considered as the most recommended in strengthening and cleaning the teeth. One thing to keep in mind – it will only work if your stains are not deep-rooted. If this is the case, you should try something stronger.
Are these methods affective at all?
If you take into consideration the low amounts you will spend on these products, then yes, they are worth it. In general, there are no guarantees with professional whitening products as well, so why not start with something that costs nothing or next to nothing? If you won’t see results, you can always try a dental whitening or a home whitening kit, but it would be best to start with a natural method first. You might be surprised with the results.
