Even Hollywood stars aren’t immune to yellowing teeth! Many of them have been seen sporting a brilliant, white smile on the red carpet. And most recently at the Golden Globes Awards. So what are their secret weapons? Natural teeth whitening. How do you know if you’re one of the many people who suffer from yellowing teeth? The condition is known as dentin hyperchromasia. A scientific way of saying that your teeth appear more yellow than they are.
This is because substances have stained them in acidic food and drinks—that is, they have a pH level lower than 7. That’s not necessarily something to be ashamed of; there are many benefits to having an acidic diet (see our article What Are the Benefits of an Acidic Diet?).
However, there may be a downside when it comes to your teeth. So let’s take a closer look at the facts vs. fiction on natural teeth whitening:
What is Natural Teeth Whitening?
Natural teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses activated charcoal and baking soda products to make teeth look whiter. It’s a popular at-home method that many people use alongside professional teeth whitening treatments. Natural teeth whitening can be done in one of three ways. The first is brushing teeth with whitening toothpaste. The second is swishing a whitening mouthwash in your mouth. The third method is to mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and brush your teeth with the resulting solution.
How Does Natural Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works because staining substances such as tannin, tea, coffee, and red wine are attracted to the porous surface of the teeth. The activated charcoal in toothpaste or mouthwash works to remove these stains. Baking soda works similarly. Whiter teeth not only look better; they’re also healthier. The staining substances in food and drinks can be tough on your teeth. Whitening your teeth can prevent cavities and other dental issues.
3 Surprising Truths About Natural Teeth Whitening
– You can whiten your teeth at home.
While you can get teeth whitening from a dentist, there are also ways to whiten your teeth at home: whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, and even baking soda. This is a great option for people who don’t want to pay for a professional teeth whitening treatment but still want whiter teeth.
– You can use baking soda for more than just baking.
You can use baking soda to whiten your teeth as well. All you have to do is mix it with a little bit of water to create a paste and then brush your teeth with it. You can do this once a week to get whiter teeth. You don’t have to do this forever until your teeth are the desired shade.
– Teeth can be stained in many ways.
Your teeth can be stained by several things, including red wine, coffee, and tea. While having a cup or two of these beverages now and then isn’t a problem, people who have them every day might notice their teeth getting darker.
3 More Facts about Natural Teeth Whitening
– Most over-the-counter teeth whitening products work with a process called oxidation.
This chemical reaction uses a peroxide-based solution to remove the stains and discoloration from your teeth, making them whiter. Oxidation is a natural process, but it can be damaging when it occurs inside your mouth. When teeth whitening products oxidize, they create peroxide. This is a substance that your mouth was meant to deal with, but too much can be harmful.
– Natural teeth whitening isn’t suitable for all teeth.
If you have veneers, bridges, caps, or other dental work, you should consult a dentist before trying any at-home teeth whitening method. While the above products may work for your natural teeth, they could damage your dental work.
– You can use whitening toothpaste while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Again, you’ll want to consult with your dentist to make sure it’s okay, but there’s no reason you can’t use whitening toothpaste while pregnant or breastfeeding.
– While you can use these methods to whiten your teeth, you won’t get the same results as a professional tooth whitening treatment.
You’ll likely see a slight difference in the color of your teeth, but it won’t be as dramatic as what you’d see with a dentist-administered teeth whitening process.
2 More Myths about Natural Teeth Whitening
– The whiter your teeth, the healthier they are.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. While you’ll get some health benefits from teeth whitening, they aren’t the same as having teeth that have been properly cared for by a dentist. You should still brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth healthy.
– Natural teeth whitening can be done at home.
While some people find success with at-home teeth whitening methods, others find that it’s not worth the trouble – or the cost. You can buy toothpaste, mouthwash, and baking soda to whiten your teeth, but it’s much cheaper to have your teeth whitened at a dentist’s office.
Concluding Words: Which Is Better, Natural or Artificial Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a big deal these days. There are plenty of over-the-counter teeth whitening products designed to do the job in your home. However, you should be aware that while these products can do a decent job, they can’t compare to the results you’d get from having teeth whitening done at a dentist’s office.
With that being said, if you can’t afford to pay for professional teeth whitening, or if you don’t want to spend the money, there are plenty of ways to whiten your teeth at home. These can be done using natural ingredients such as activated charcoal or baking soda