Yellow teeth can affect both your health and self-esteem. Various factors, including aging and dietary habits, contribute to tooth discoloration over time.
Understanding these causes and exploring effective home remedies can help maintain a brighter smile.
Causes of yellow teeth
Plaque and calculus deposits: Plaque buildup can harden into calculus, leading to yellow stains on teeth.
Dietary choices: Frequent consumption of tea, coffee, wine, and soda can stain teeth.
Inadequate dental hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly allows stains to build up.Aging: As enamel wears down from chewing and exposure to acidic foods and drinks, teeth naturally yellow.
Mouth breathing: This can dry out the mouth, leading to plaque buildup and discoloration.
Home remedies for whiter Teeth
Brushing with baking soda: Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a common and effective natural whitening agent. It helps reduce discoloration and boost whitening. Mix baking soda with an equal amount of alum powder. Gently brush your teeth with this mixture and rinse thoroughly. Repeat twice a week. Alternatively, use toothpaste containing baking soda for similar benefits.
Neem Datun: An age-old remedy, neem twigs or sticks (datun) offer multiple medicinal properties. Their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics help remove yellow stains, whiten teeth, strengthen gums, and eliminate bad breath. Use a soft neem datun soaked in water to brush your teeth for optimal results.
Fruit peel: Certain fruits can improve dental health when applied to teeth. Banana, lemon, orange peels, and strawberry paste can make teeth whiter and stronger. Lemon can be used either by rubbing the peel directly on teeth or using the juice as a brushing agent. These fruits help restore the mouth’s natural pH balance but should be used sparingly to avoid enamel damage.
Coconut oil pulling: According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Hygiene, oil pulling with coconut oil is a safe, natural method to maintain oral hygiene. This technique involves swishing edible oil in the mouth to remove toxins, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria, thanks to the lauric acid in coconut oil. Regular use can result in whiter and brighter teeth.