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Singaporeans are always one step ahead in finding ways to keep their smile bright and white in this busy and modern world. In the quest for a brighter smile, natural methods for teeth whitening have gained popularity as people seek effective and gentle alternatives to traditional treatments. Here are five ways how to whiten teeth naturally.
1) Oil pulling with coconut oil
One of the natural ways to make your teeth whiter is through oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic technique. Coconut oil is especially popular for this method due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to remove stains.
To start, take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes each morning before brushing. Spit the oil into a trash can (to avoid clogging sinks) and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water before brushing as usual.
Benefits:
- Oil forms a protective coating on teeth, preventing stains from adhering.
- Helps remove bacteria and plaque, promoting a brighter smile.
- Improves overall oral health by reducing bad breath, preventing tooth decay and promoting healthy gums.
2) Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular natural teeth whitener due to its mild abrasive properties that can effectively scrub away surface stains on teeth.
To use it, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste. Brush your teeth with this paste for about two minutes, then rinse thoroughly. However, it's important to use this method sparingly to avoid potential enamel damage.
Benefits:
- Creates a less acidic environment in your mouth, aiding in breaking down surface stains on teeth.
- Helps freshen breath by neutralising odors caused by mouth bacteria, leaving a fresh feeling.
Baking soda has been used in toothpastes for decades and is particularly effective in formulations designed to remove stains and whiten teeth. Research from 2017 supports its efficacy, highlighting that baking soda's low abrasivity and significant stain-removal capabilities make it a desirable ingredient for toothpastes.
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3) Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has gained attention as a natural method for whitening teeth due to its ability to absorb stains and toxins on the tooth surface.
To apply activated charcoal for teeth whitening, dip a wet toothbrush into powdered activated charcoal and gently brush your teeth for about 2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterwards and follow up with your regular toothpaste to remove any remaining charcoal residue.
It's important to note that while activated charcoal can help enhance tooth whiteness, it shouldn't replace your regular toothpaste. Use it occasionally as a supplement to your oral care routine with fluoride toothpaste.
According to a 2022 study on its effectiveness and abrasiveness, activated charcoal-based toothpaste has a high potential to be abrasive. Therefore, use activated charcoal sparingly to avoid any damage to your enamel.
4) Vegetables and Fruits
Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots and celery can effectively remove plaque and surface stains from teeth as you chew. Their high water content also stimulates saliva production, which helps maintain oral health and neutralize acidity in the mouth.
Strawberries are famous for their malic acid content, which naturally bleaches teeth. Another natural trick involves rubbing banana peels on your teeth, thought to use minerals like potassium, magnesium and manganese to lift surface stains. Including these foods in your daily diet can naturally brighten your smile and support overall oral well-being.
According to a recent 2022 study comparing natural tooth-whitening methods with professional whitening systems, strawberries were found to gently bleach teeth without causing any changes to tooth structure.
5) Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used household product for whitening teeth. To create a whitening rinse, mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Gargle the mixture in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any residue. It's important not to swallow hydrogen peroxide, as it can cause stomach irritation.
For best results and to avoid potential side effects like tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, use hydrogen peroxide in moderation. After rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, follow up with a fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen and protect your teeth.
Many commercial teeth whitening products include synthetic chemical compounds such as hydrogen peroxide. If used excessively or for extended periods, these compounds can potentially cause demineralisation of the teeth. Therefore, it's important to use them cautiously and according to the instructions to minimise any potential harm to dental health.
Conclusion
For those with busy schedules who find it hard to make time for regular dental visits, it's essential to understand that while natural methods can support dental health, professional whitening is still the most effective way to achieve noticeable results. Consulting with a dental professional ensures personalised advice and treatments that are safe and effective for your teeth.
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References
- Abidia RF, El-Hejazi AA, Azam A, Al-Qhatani S, Al-Mugbel K, AlSulami M, Khan AS. In vitro comparison of natural tooth-whitening remedies and professional tooth-whitening systems. Saudi Dent J. 2023 Feb;35(2):165-171. doi: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2023.01.007. Epub 2023 Jan 26. PMID: 36942206; PMCID: PMC10024105.
- Woolley J, Gibbons T, Patel K, Sacco R. The effect of oil pulling with coconut oil to improve dental hygiene and oral health: A systematic review. Heliyon. 2020 Aug 27;6(8):e04789. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04789. PMID: 32923724; PMCID: PMC7475120.
- Li Y. Stain removal and whitening by baking soda dentifrice: A review of literature. J Am Dent Assoc. 2017 Nov;148(11S):S20-S26. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.006. PMID: 29056186.
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Tomás DBM, Pecci-Lloret MP, Guerrero-Gironés J. Effectiveness and abrasiveness of activated charcoal as a whitening agent: A systematic review of in vitro studies. Ann Anat. 2023 Jan;245:151998. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2022.151998. Epub 2022 Sep 29. PMID: 36183933.