How to whiten teeth at home quickly, effectively and safely?

Who should really whiten their teeth?

The main reason for teeth whitening is darkening or yellowing of tooth enamel, when plaque penetrates into the teeth so deeply that ordinary hygiene procedures do not help get rid of it.

Causes of darkening of enamel:

• Smoking.

  Nicotine settles on tooth enamel and penetrates deep into it. Teeth take on an extremely unaesthetic “smoky” appearance. Toothpastes with a whitening effect are too mild to cope with the plaque of tobacco tars and nicotine. Home whitening will restore the natural whiteness of your teeth, but they may darken again due to a negative habit;

• Excessive consumption of sweets.

  The interaction of microorganisms living in the mouth with carbohydrates leads to biochemical reactions with the release of various substances. They act aggressively on teeth. The enamel becomes so thin that yellow dentin shows through;

• Drinking coffee and strong tea.

  Drinks with dyes negatively affect the color of tooth enamel, which can no longer be called snow-white. The color of enamel is affected by red wine, strong tea, natural and instant coffee. Brown plaque on teeth quickly appears with regular consumption of these drinks;

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• Use of the antibiotic tetracycline.

  If the expectant mother took tetracycline while expecting her baby, the baby's tooth buds will turn yellow. The same effect occurs if children take tetracycline during tooth formation in early childhood (“tetracycline teeth”);

• Excessive intake of fluorine compounds.

  Environmental problems associated with poor-quality water or air, food, can cause the development of fluorosis due to an excess of fluoride in the body. This disease is characterized by pockmarked enamel (“speckled teeth”);

• Underdevelopment of dental tissues.

  Hypoplasia appears on the teeth in the form of white or yellow spots. They are symmetrical and the same size. If signs of hypoplasia are noticeable when communicating with a person, the affected areas of the teeth are filled or whitened.

Hydrogen peroxide

The procedure is extremely simple and budget-friendly, since it requires exactly the same amount of costs as is necessary to purchase one package of the product (about 20 rubles) .

20-25 drops of hydrogen peroxide are mixed with water in a ratio of 1:2. After carrying out hygiene procedures, thoroughly rinse the mouth for several minutes, then repeat the procedure, but with plain water.

The result is visible almost immediately. Teeth acquire a snow-white appearance even with severe darkening. The method whitens the surface by at least 2 tones.

However, the result is short-term and requires periodic repetition. Since the product can cause superficial burns of soft tissues, the frequency of sessions should be observed.

What do you need to know when trying to whiten your teeth at home?

Teeth whitening is similar to hair bleaching and affects a person's health. Minimizing the harm caused to the body is the main goal of bleaching.

Before teeth whitening, it is advisable to consult a dentist to assess the quality of tooth enamel. It must be strong enough and have the required thickness. The yellowness that forms on the teeth should not penetrate far into the enamel, in which case the home procedure will not bring results.

Before performing a home cosmetic procedure, dental health is assessed for pathologies: periodontitis, periodontitis, alveolar processes, cement fillings, abnormal eruption of wisdom teeth.

Assessing the condition of the fillings is not an unnecessary precaution. If gaps appear between the filling and the tooth tissue, an aggressive substance will penetrate through them and cause destruction of the tooth from the inside.

After treating the enamel and obtaining the desired effect, it is not advisable to smoke or consume products with coloring pigments. Hygienic brushing of teeth should be carried out with a soft toothbrush, as stiffer bristles can cause discomfort. Whitening toothpaste will help maintain the achieved effect.

The procedure for whitening tooth enamel is repeated after 2-4 months.

Who should not whiten their teeth and when?

Before you begin whitening your teeth at home or at the dentist, you need to determine the reason for the change in their shade. Darkening or yellowing of teeth can be external or internal, and only external staining can be corrected using traditional methods. Internal causes of tooth discoloration can be very diverse, ranging from enamel hypoplasia, through which darker dentin tissues are visible, to chronic accumulation of brass, tin, iron and other substances.

In addition, there are a number of contraindications for teeth whitening:

• Pregnant women and people with systemic diseases should not undergo whitening in dental offices. As an alternative, you can use some of the tooth-friendly home whitening products, such as activated charcoal;
• Periodontal diseases are a contraindication to whitening, since the lightening components can aggravate the condition of the tissues, provoke bleeding gums and a number of other pathologies;
• For patients with large carious cavities and untreated diseases of the teeth and gums, whitening is contraindicated;
• People who have a lot of fillings in visible areas are not recommended to whiten their teeth, since the aesthetic value of the result in this case is minimal - the fillings either cannot be whitened or lighten too much. After the whitening procedure, you will have to replace them, which can be difficult if there are a lot of fillings;
• Teeth whitening is contraindicated for children under 16 years of age, since their hard tooth tissues are not fully formed, and the bleaching substance can penetrate through them to the nerves and damage them;
• People who wear braces or have recently had them removed should not whiten their teeth. Braces themselves damage tooth enamel, especially the areas of the teeth to which the clasps are attached. After their removal, the teeth do not lose sensitivity for several weeks; it is necessary to maintain this period until complete recovery.

How to whiten teeth enamel with activated carbon?

Activated carbon is a safe means of teeth whitening at home, minimizing mechanical damage to the enamel. In addition, if accidentally swallowed, activated carbon does not cause harm to the body, which cannot be said about other bleaching agents.

The whitening properties of activated carbon components have been known for a long time - one of the “grandmother’s” recipes for a snow-white smile includes brushing your teeth with wood ash. Wood ash was used as tooth powder or simply chewed, trying to do it so that all surfaces of the tooth were affected. This technique has a scientific basis - wood ash contains potassium hydroxide, a powerful abrasive substance that removes plaque from the chewing surface and prevents the formation of stains on the teeth.

Activated carbon can be made from wood ash, fruit seeds, and coconut shells. Activated carbon tablets can be crushed into powder, the fine particles of which will not injure your teeth. You need to brush your teeth with activated carbon in the same way as with tooth powder, but do not press too hard on the brush so as not to scratch the enamel.

A quick way to whiten teeth without preparing powder is to chew two or three tablets at once, then rinse your mouth with warm water several times. Despite all the beneficial whitening properties of charcoal, immediately after the procedure, the smile may “blacken” due to powder particles stuck in the interdental spaces. They are washed thoroughly, after which you can brush your teeth with regular toothpaste.

The positive effect of this procedure lies not only in the abrasive effect of activated carbon, which removes soft plaque, but also in its absorbent effect. Charcoal absorbs toxins, acid-forming substances that can damage tooth enamel and cause stains on its surface. However, you should not use charcoal powder to clean your teeth too often to avoid damage to the enamel and tooth hypersensitivity.

What affects the shade?

You need to understand that by nature a person does not have perfectly white teeth. Beneath the enamel is dentin, its true color is yellow. The color of the enamel depends on how transparent it is. Its normal color can range from gray-white to yellow-white. It is influenced by genetic predisposition and lifestyle. Smokers may have darker teeth because they develop brown plaque on their teeth. Also, the enamel darkens under the influence of dyes that are present in coffee, black tea, wine, fruit juices and other products.

To achieve what they want, many try to solve the problem without the help of a specialist, which is fundamentally wrong. If you want to know the answer to the question of whether it is safe to whiten your teeth at home, then our answer is no, it is not always safe. Firstly, you don’t know what condition the enamel is in, how thick it is, or whether there are microcracks in it. Secondly, you do not know how to properly control the effects of bleaching agents (these can be gels, special pastes with a special composition, etc.), which means you cannot predict how effective this or that method will be for you.

Some people who really want to save money but don't know how to whiten their teeth use hydrogen peroxide. This is not the best choice, because it can cause irreparable harm to yourself. It is better to spend some time, find a good specialist and learn how to whiten teeth from a dentist, because only he can advise and help with the choice.

Teeth whitening with lemon

Therapeutic procedures for teeth using lemon are chemical methods of enamel whitening. They are less traumatic than abrasive bleaching with soda or activated carbon, since the degree of impact can be controlled by simply reducing or increasing the concentration of lemon juice in the solution. Whereas when brushing your teeth with soda, there is a risk of scratching the enamel even with minimal pressure from the toothbrush.

There are several simple and effective recipes using lemon:

• Thoroughly wipe the front surface of the teeth with the peel of a fresh lemon for 3-5 minutes. Make sure that there are no particles of peel or any other food left in the spaces between the teeth. It is a proven fact that the greatest risk for the development of caries, damage and darkening of tooth enamel is not one-time exposure to acid-forming or coloring substances, but the constant presence of food debris. This creates a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms that cause most pathologies of the teeth and oral cavity in general;
• A gentle treatment method that is suitable even for people with sensitive teeth. Before brushing your teeth, add 1-2 drops of lemon juice to the toothpaste and carry out the hygiene procedure as usual. Practice no more than twice a week for one month;
• Lemon pulp is used to lighten teeth whose enamel is insensitive to acids. Apply a fresh slice of lemon to your teeth for a couple of minutes until discomfort occurs, then remove and rinse your mouth with warm water;
• A solution of lemon juice in a glass of water can be used to rinse the mouth, using a course of no more than a month. The ratio of the solution components is 1:1, you can reduce the content of lemon juice in case of painful teeth reaction.

Teeth whitening with activated carbon

Activated carbon is an absorbent substance that can absorb and remove toxins from the body, both internally and externally.

In addition, activated carbon itself is not absorbed into the body. It is also an effective teeth whitening agent as it binds plaque and microscopic particles that stain teeth and washes them away.

. It absorbs unpleasant odors and acts as a disinfectant.

Application:

· Wet your toothbrush and dip it into powdered activated charcoal. Brush your teeth as usual for 2 minutes, and then rinse your mouth thoroughly until the contents run clear.

· Add some water to activated charcoal to make a thick paste, dip your toothbrush into the paste and brush your teeth for 2 minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times a week.

Remember

: Activated carbon can stain crowns, linings and porcelain veneers. If your teeth become sensitive, stop using this product.

Homemade enamel lightening with soda

Baking soda can be used for at-home teeth whitening as an abrasive that helps remove soft plaque from the enamel surface. To do this, dilute soda with water to a homogeneous paste, apply it to a brush and brush your teeth. Or leave the medicinal composition on the teeth for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.

A combination of peroxide and soda, which are mixed until smooth and used instead of toothpaste, brightens the tone of teeth well. Baking soda-based recipes should not be used to clean and whiten teeth more than once every two weeks to prevent thinning of the enamel. At the same time, it is recommended to use fluoride-containing toothpastes to restore the mineral composition of tooth enamel.

When using baking soda to whiten teeth, you need to take precautions. First, make sure that baking soda does not get on your gums, as rubbing it can damage the tissues and cause them to bleed. Secondly, it should be remembered that when the enamel is thinned, this procedure can be dangerous for the teeth, provoke their increased sensitivity and even contribute to the occurrence of caries.

Indications and contraindications for home whitening

Home teeth whitening is recommended for age-related changes in tooth color, as well as if the enamel has a yellowish or grayish tint. Mild tetracycline staining and mild forms of fluorosis are also susceptible to exposure.

Despite the low concentration of the active substance in the preparations, home whitening has contraindications:

• caries;
• cracks in teeth;
• exposure of tooth roots;
• poor-quality fillings with gaps;
• increased sensitivity of teeth;
• undergoing orthodontic treatment;
• allergy to peroxide compounds;
• pregnancy and lactation period.

How to whiten teeth with hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a popular means for teeth whitening, and it is used not only at home, but is also part of whitening gels that are used by dentists to professionally lighten enamel by several tones. Naturally, the concentration in all these products is different. For radical lightening, dentists use 30% hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, after each such procedure, the dentist must remineralize the teeth with a medicinal composition in order to prevent the leaching of hydroxyapatites from the enamel. At home, a 3% peroxide solution is sufficient.

There are many recipes for use. The simplest of them is to apply a moistened cotton swab to the stained surface and leave it for several minutes, after which the mouth should be rinsed with warm water. The rules for using peroxide at home are the same as for professional whitening - avoid contact with gums and other soft tissues and ingestion of the solution. In high concentrations, this drug can be dangerous to the body.

Long-term use of hydrogen peroxide can also increase tooth sensitivity to the point of causing a painful reaction not only to heat and cold, but also to sweet and sour foods. It is not recommended to use it more than once a week; after a month's course of treatment, you need to take a break for two to three months.

How to remove plaque on teeth from cigarettes?

The most common cause of brown spots is smoking.
The pigment contained in tobacco turns the enamel yellowish-brown. Many smokers are interested in how to remove plaque from cigarettes on their teeth. A course of use of whitening agents (special gels or strips), which are applied to the surface of the teeth immediately after brushing, effectively helps combat the characteristic yellowness. Baking soda and activated carbon powder are suitable as a mild abrasive. Fresh lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide can clear mild yellow stains. These methods are allowed to be used no more than once a week.

Tea tree oil is considered an excellent whitening agent that also has an antiseptic effect. After regular brushing, place a couple of drops of oil on the brush and carefully walk until you feel slightly numb. After the procedure, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

How to whiten teeth using peroxide and baking soda at home?

Any peroxide-based products should not be used without first testing for an allergic reaction. To do this, apply a little hydrogen peroxide to the crook of your elbow or the delicate skin of your wrist and wait a few hours. Additionally, you can conduct a test on the teeth and oral cavity using a highly diluted peroxide solution.

Only after this can you start whitening using these recipes. At the slightest feeling of burning or pain, the composition should be washed off and rinse your mouth several times with warm water. Peroxide should not be used for mouth ulcers, which often occur in heavy smokers, tongue injury during piercing, and other injuries and wounds of the oral cavity. Untreated caries and periodontal tissue diseases are also contraindications to the use of home whitening products.

The following method works most effectively: hydrogen peroxide in a 3% concentration is mixed with baking soda in equal proportions and the resulting slurry is spread with a cotton swab over the surface of the tooth enamel in places that need to be whitened. Leave the mixture for no longer than a minute, then rinse and rinse your mouth. If the composition begins to foam on the teeth, then do not worry - this is a normal part of the procedure. Swallowing the solution even in minimal quantities is prohibited. You can eat and drink no earlier than 30 minutes after the procedure.

Immediately after whitening, you should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to prevent mineral loss.

Read more: Restoring tooth enamel - 5 modern methods

Homemade Teeth Whitening Remedies

Teeth whitening with strawberries

Strawberries contain folic acid, which helps clean and exfoliate teeth. This makes teeth look cleaner and whiter. Strawberries also contain vitamin C, which helps get rid of plaque, and malic acid, which slightly whitens teeth.

Application

:

· Mash strawberries and mix them with a little baking soda to make a natural whitening paste.

· Cut the strawberries in half and use the halves to brush your teeth for 1 minute.

· Mash 3 strawberries and add a little sea salt. Remove excess saliva from your mouth with a paper towel and then apply a generous amount of the mixture over the entire surface of your teeth. Leave the mixture for 5 minutes and rinse your mouth. Repeat the procedure at night.

Teeth whitening with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is also believed to help get rid of stains on teeth. While you may not get immediate results, apple cider vinegar is a natural method that can help restore white teeth with regular use.

Application

· Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water. Rinse your mouth for 2 minutes. Repeat daily.

· Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts apple cider vinegar. Use this mixture to brush your teeth.

· Apply apple cider vinegar directly to your teeth, and after a few minutes, rinse your mouth with water.

· Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water and use this solution as a mouth rinse every morning.

Teeth whitening with banana peel

Another at-home teeth whitening method is to use banana peels. Bananas are rich in nutrients and minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, sodium, iron and sulfur, which are also present in the peel.

Banana peels absorb bacteria and germs from the teeth, thus whitening them.

Application

• Take a ripe banana and rub the inside of the peel on your teeth for 2 minutes. Then rinse your mouth with water. Repeat twice a day.

Toothpaste for home teeth whitening

Whitening toothpastes are most often made based on hydrogen peroxide, organic acids and components that soften their negative effect on enamel. There is another group of products whose effectiveness is based on the abrasive effect of dicalcium phosphate and silicon oxide.

In the first case, the enamel is lightened due to chemical acids and oxygen radicals, which discolor the pigments. As a result, plaque dissolves, and the substances that gave the enamel a yellow-brown tint become colorless, and the smile acquires the desired whiteness.

Abrasive toothpastes promote mechanical plaque removal, which in most cases also leads to the expected results. However, when using products from this group, there is a high probability of developing hyperesthesia - dental hypersensitivity.

The safest option is considered to be pastes based on the enzyme papain, which gently removes plaque and prevents the formation of new deposits without thinning the enamel. But such pastes do not provide instant lightening, like products with more aggressive chemical components in their composition.

Whitening and strengthening teeth with rinses

Whitening mouth rinses are mild products that do not damage tooth enamel, but help restore its mineral composition.

They may contain aggressive chemical components - for example, active oxygen, which removes plaque, brightens teeth and prevents the formation of tartar. For patients with sensitive teeth and thinned tooth enamel, there are rinses based on plant extracts of cinnamon, tea tree, cloves, and mint. They not only prevent darkening of the surface of the teeth, but also have antibacterial properties, prevent caries and gum disease.

You need to keep the rinse in your mouth for one to three minutes; the volume for a single use is two tablespoons. Recommended for daily use for a month.

Using whitening gels at home

Homemade whitening gels are used together with special trays to increase the area of ​​contact of the active ingredients with the enamel and increase the degree of whitening. Aligners are made of flexible plastic or silicone and are placed on the upper or lower jaw, depending on which teeth need whitening.

The gel is supplied with the mouth guard, or it can be applied to the mouth guard yourself. Products from different manufacturers vary in composition. Gels for intensive lightening of tooth enamel contain hydrogen peroxide; mouth guards with this composition can be worn for no longer than half an hour; the procedure is repeated twice a day for a two-week course of treatment.

Gentle gels contain urea or carbamide peroxide in a small concentration; they can be worn without removing them for several hours. Therefore, for night whitening at home, it is better to use these gels. Moreover, wearing a mouthguard at work or in public places can cause inconvenience.

Ready-made mouthguards can be purchased at a pharmacy. However, they may not be effective enough, since the structure of the jaw and the sensitivity of the teeth are different for all people. To enhance the whitening effect, you can contact your dentist, who will make a custom mouthguard and help you choose the optimal concentration of active ingredients in the lightening gel.

Choosing an effective way to whiten teeth at home

10 Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth at Home (video)
It’s no secret that no one likes visiting the dentist’s office. The reasons for this are different, but quite obvious: from an inexplicable fear of the dental chair to the high cost of a number of procedures. That is why many people want to find the best option that, on the one hand, would provide quick teeth whitening at home, and, on the other hand, would save money to the maximum.

Today, there are many accessible folk ways to give tooth enamel, if not absolute snow-whiteness, then at least lighten it by several tones. However, it is worth considering that lack of control in the use of such home techniques is fraught with various negative consequences. Therefore, the most reasonable solution is to consult a specialist before using them.

So, let's look at the most popular ways to make your smile more attractive without third-party qualified help. The information below will allow you to find the most suitable, affordable and harmonious option for yourself.

No. 1: hydrogen peroxide

Such a cheap drug is found in almost every home medicine cabinet, along with iodine, brilliant green and a bactericidal patch. Since it forms the basis of most ready-made whitening gels, there can be no doubt about its effectiveness.

To whiten teeth at home using hydrogen peroxide, two methods are used: rinsing and rubbing. The latter is performed in 3 stages:

1. soaking a cotton swab with peroxide;
2. wiping the tooth surface with it;
3. rinsing the mouth with water.

Rinse whitening looks different. It is necessary to fill the glass 1/3 with water, then add 25 drops of ready-made 3% pharmaceutical peroxide. Everything else is simple. First, the mouth is rinsed with the resulting mixture, and then with ordinary clean water.

It should be noted that the use of hydrogen peroxide provides a double effect: cleaning the tooth surface from accumulated plaque and discoloring the enamel. Since at home it is recommended to use a relatively weak solution (up to 10%), the maximum possible whitening value in this case is 8 tones.

No. 2: activated carbon

This homemade teeth whitening recipe is also accessible, effective and inexpensive. In the oral cavity, activated carbon performs double useful work:

• neutralization of putrefactive bacteria and toxins;
• elimination of plaque formed on the enamel.

The sequence of actions here is as follows. First, the tablets are crushed to a powder state. Further, the resulting substance can be either added to toothpaste or used separately. In the latter case, the brush is wetted with water and then dipped into charcoal powder. If coal particles adhere, it is recommended to brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes.

Such prevention of yellowing of enamel should be carried out at least once a week. You can also chew 2-3 tablets to achieve the whitening effect.

How to whiten teeth at home with activated carbon (video)

No. 3: soda

Sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) performs not only antiseptic treatment of the oral cavity, but also abrasive abrasion of plaque. The latter is not very useful. As a result of partial removal, the enamel becomes thinner and becomes more sensitive, which manifests itself in the form of painful sensations when the chewing surfaces come into contact with hot, cold, sour or sweet objects.

Separately, we note that the whitening power of soda is so great that it can remove even the strong yellow plaque that forms on the teeth of heavy smokers.

The principle of this method is to apply sodium bicarbonate to a dampened brush and then rub it over the tooth surface. Upon completion of the procedure, you must rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean water.

The main thing here is not to overdo it. If this procedure is performed frequently, there is a risk that the gums will begin to bleed, allergic redness will appear, as well as swelling in the oral cavity.

If we talk about a more gentle version of the soda procedure, it consists of dissolving one teaspoon of the powdery mass in a glass of water, the temperature of which should be approximately 30-36ºC. Here, due to the low concentration of the active substance, there is no destructive effect on the enamel.

By the way, such a soda-based solution is quite effective in combating inflammatory processes.

No. 4: tea tree oil

We are talking about an antiseptic of natural origin with average whitening characteristics. It is impossible to remove the top layer of enamel with tea tree oil. This product acts differently: it eliminates plaque slowly, simultaneously restoring the microflora and providing a general health effect.

Noticeable results can be expected only after 3-4 weeks. However, this is one of the most harmonious ways to clean your teeth and mouth. Moreover, in addition to brightening the tooth surface, such procedures can solve problems with bleeding gums and other dental inflammations.

No. 5: apple cider vinegar

In order to eliminate stains and restore the whiteness of teeth, apple cider vinegar will have to be used regularly. Since this is the same natural product as tea tree oil, you can’t expect instant results either.

There are several methods of whitening:

1. apple cider vinegar is mixed with water in a ratio of 1 to 2, after which you need to rinse your mouth with this solution every day for about 2 minutes;
2. vinegar is mixed with baking soda in proportions of 2 to 1, after which this mixture can be used as toothpaste;
3. vinegar is applied directly to the teeth, after which the mouth must be thoroughly rinsed with water.

No. 6: coconut oil

This component is often used to detoxify the body, as it has a mild and high-quality effect. It can also be involved in dental processes.

When coconut oil is used, pathogenic bacteria and plaque are eliminated from the oral cavity. Breath becomes fresher. In addition, lauric acid, the concentration of which in this product is quite high, helps to significantly reduce the risk of caries and other dental diseases.

In terms of its medicinal properties, coconut oil is often compared to a pharmaceutical drug called chlorhexidine, which is also used in preventive measures and in the elimination of oral diseases. The only difference is that the first is of 100% natural origin, and therefore is more natural and harmonious for the human body.

Coconut oil can be used in different ways to lighten enamel. Below are the three most popular methods.

1. It is necessary to put one spoon of the product in your mouth and wait until it becomes more liquid under the influence of body temperature. The oil should not be swallowed, as it absorbs a huge amount of harmful bacteria. It should be spat out and then rinse your teeth thoroughly with hot water for 10 (or preferably 15) minutes.
2. Initially, a kind of paste is made by mixing coconut oil with regular baking soda. The resulting substance must be applied and waited for about 20 minutes. Next, you need to rinse your mouth with water.
3. You need to apply a small amount of oil to a soft textured fabric. As soon as the latter has been saturated and acquired its characteristic oiliness, each tooth must be carefully treated with it. This is done with smooth rubbing movements.

It is worth noting that this method of whitening and healing does not harm the enamel at all. It can be used with a frequency of 2 or even 3 times a calendar week.

No. 7: strawberries

This is a rather controversial and even controversial whitening method. Along with coloring pigments (which is not very good for lightening enamel), strawberries contain useful acids, enzymes and vitamin C, which provide a whitening effect.

The list of popular folk methods looks like this:

1. A medium-sized berry is cut in half. The resulting halves must be thoroughly rubbed over the surface of the teeth, and then wait approximately 5-10 minutes. Next, you just need to brush your teeth, as is usually done as part of your daily hygiene procedures, and then rinse your mouth with water. Experts recommend practicing this method relatively rarely: only twice a calendar week.
2. By mixing strawberries and soda, a kind of scrub is prepared. The resulting mass should be rubbed over the enamel and wait no more than 5 minutes. As a final stage, teeth are brushed with fluoride-containing paste, which counteracts the negative effects of acid on the enamel layer.
3. This method is similar to the previous one. The only thing is that, along with strawberries (1-3 berries) and soda (one-half teaspoon), a pinch of very fine sea salt is added to the scrub being prepared. When applying such a solution you need to be extremely careful. If the sensitivity of the enamel begins to increase, it is recommended to completely avoid adding salt.

No. 8: banana peel

This natural product contains many vitamins and microelements that are extremely beneficial for teeth. At the same time, banana peel is a completely safe whitening agent that can be used with any frequency.

The method of application is extremely simple. Rub the inside of the peel onto the tooth surface and then rinse with water. The optimal duration of the procedure is approximately 2-3 minutes.

No. 9: lemon or its juice

This method has a fairly quick and noticeable effect. Lemon juice has such beneficial properties as cleaning teeth from plaque, removing tartar, strengthening gums, freshening breath and, of course, whitening. At the same time, you need to understand that the increased acidity of this citrus fruit is a rather aggressive environment that can thin out tooth enamel and increase its sensitivity.

Precautionary measures

To prevent possible negative consequences, it is strongly recommended to follow a number of basic rules.

• For some time before and after the procedure, it is advisable to exclude colored foods and drinks from your diet. After treatment with lemon juice, the enamel is sufficiently weakened, which makes it much easier to paint. Consequently, the effect may be the opposite.
• Immediately before whitening, it is necessary to clean the tooth surface with toothpaste.
• It is reasonable to practice this method no more than once a calendar week (or, what is even more reasonable, every 10 days).
• In an unpleasant situation, when the sensitivity of the enamel to hot and cold increases, and gum inflammation occurs, it is recommended to immediately stop using lemon.

Folk recipes

Below are the most effective methods, which are arranged according to increasing effectiveness. Here it is worth considering that the faster and more noticeable the result, the more dangerous the method. For example, the very last item on the proposed list can only be practiced by those with thick and durable enamel.

1. The most gentle method is to use the zest, the concentration of acid in which is much lower, but the whitening properties are nevertheless present. It is necessary to rub your teeth with the inside (wrong) side of the lemon peel, then wait a pause of 5 minutes maximum. During this period of time, the mouth should be kept open to allow fresh air to flow freely to the enamel. Next, the oral cavity is rinsed with warm water.
2. Initially, a mixture of lemon and fine salt is prepared in a ratio of 1 to 3. Rinsing your teeth with the resulting solution will need to be done immediately after regular brushing of your teeth. This product gradually whitens the enamel, simultaneously providing fresh breath.
3. Initially, a mixture of lemon and fine salt is prepared in a ratio of 1 to 3. Rinsing your teeth with the resulting solution will need to be done immediately after regular brushing of your teeth. This product gradually whitens the enamel, simultaneously providing fresh breath.
4. The most basic whitening method is chewing a slice of lemon. True, it will not be possible to control the uniformity of the impact in this case.
5. Teeth whitening can also be treated with a small amount of freshly squeezed juice. Upon completion of the procedure in question, you need to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.
6. Take a slice of lemon and rub it over the surface of the teeth with massaging movements. Another option is to simply hold this piece of citrus between your teeth and wait a few minutes. At the end of the session, your mouth should be rinsed thoroughly with water. You should not use toothpaste right away.
7. Lotions are a fairly effective method, but at the same time highly aggressive. Its essence is to prepare a kind of gruel by kneading the lemon pulp (devoid of seeds and bridges) and then applying it to the surface of all units of the dentition. Next, you need to wait about 5 minutes with your mouth slightly open. Upon completion, the enamel is rinsed with water. It is prohibited to use a brush and paste immediately after the procedure.
8. And finally, the most effective and at the same time the most dangerous method. It involves mixing lemon juice and baking soda. The result is a chemical reaction with typical foaming, which enhances the bleaching properties of both components. The resulting substance is mixed to a consistency similar to toothpaste and placed on a soft brush. The next stage is application to previously dehydrated teeth using a napkin. Next, wait a pause of no more than one minute, after which rinsing with water is performed.

#10: Aloe Vera

This medicinal plant often becomes a basic component of cleansing and restorative products for the care of any part of the body. Including behind the oral cavity.

To carry out whitening procedures, you can use either freshly squeezed juice from homemade aloe or a ready-made concentrate, which is sold in pharmacies without a prescription. The result in both cases will be equally noticeable.

The instructions are simple: apply a few drops of aloe juice to the brush, and the next step is to apply to the teeth. The method under consideration is completely safe for both enamel and mucous membranes, so it can be used with every scheduled cleaning.

No. 11: turmeric paste

This is one of the most archaic methods of whitening, which was invented by the ancient Indians. The basic ingredients for preparing the paste are turmeric powder, as well as coconut and mint oils. First, the first two components are mixed. Then a few drops of mint oil are added to the resulting substance. The result is a natural and highly effective paste that can be used on an ongoing basis (including instead of the usual one).

As a result of using this paste, a triple effect is ensured. Turmeric works as a natural antibiotic, mint provides fresh breath, and coconut oil destroys harmful bacteria and brightens the tooth surface. This method is absolutely safe, as a result of which it can be practiced with any frequency.

No. 12: orange peel with bay leaf

When these components are used together (which can also be used individually), the whitening effect is noticeably enhanced. Orange peel (which can also be replaced with tangerine peel) cleans teeth from plaque that has formed. As for the bay leaf, it discolors dark spots.

The procedure is divided into two stages. First, the tooth surface is treated with the inside of the peel (the movement of the hands resembles rubbing). Next, similar actions are performed with finely chopped bay leaves. After a 5-minute pause, the mouth is rinsed with running water.

No. 13: basil leaves

This plant can not only whiten the tooth surface, while also freshening your breath. Immunoprotective and anti-inflammatory characteristics are also included in the list of its beneficial properties. This product is completely safe for enamel and gums, so it can be used with any regularity.

The recipe consists of grinding fresh basil to a puree. The latter is used for cleaning teeth.

Also, there is an alternative method in which dry basil leaves are mixed with mustard oil. This mixture helps give your smile a special shine that others will immediately notice.

No. 14: sea salt

This method is borrowed from the Chinese culture of preserving beauty and health. Thanks to the use of sea salt, representatives of this eastern nation practically do not encounter such dental problems as yellow plaque and caries.

The effects of salt are multifaceted. It has abrasive properties, as well as the ability to strengthen enamel. In addition, this seafood product, extremely rich in beneficial microelements, effectively eliminates bacteria living in the oral cavity and even helps relieve toothache.

To carry out the bleaching procedure, you can only use very fine sea salt, to which no dyes or other substances have been added. It is not recommended to use table salt as a substitute, since it only has abrasive properties.

There are several whitening procedures using sea salt. It can be used as follows:

1. place a small pinch on the paste before brushing your teeth normally;
2. apply directly to the enamel layer and rub in with gentle massaging movements;
3. prepare a solution based on it (at the rate of 5 grams of product per glass of water) for daily rinsing.

The last option is the most gentle, and therefore may be suitable even for those with thin and sensitive enamel.

No. 15: solid foods

As practice shows, you can cope with plaque and provide the desired snow-white smile with the help of daily consumption of solid foods. We are talking about apples, pears, nuts, carrots, as well as other vegetables and fruits with a crunchy effect.

Of course, such a recommendation can be called a whitening procedure with a big stretch. However, such a systematic diet can have a noticeable positive effect on the purity and shade of enamel.

No. 16: iodine

This well-known drug from the home medicine cabinet can not only disinfect and treat wounds. It is also effective for whitening. The only thing is that a solution based on it can be kept on the tooth surface for no more than 5 minutes. If this recommendation is not followed, enamel damage is likely.

In normal everyday situations, different methods can be used. The most common of them are published below.

1. A drop of iodine is applied to a brush with pre-squeezed toothpaste, after which normal brushing is carried out. Upon completion, the mouth is thoroughly rinsed with warm water. Immediately after the procedure, a yellowish tint may be observed on the surface of the teeth, but after a short period of time it will disappear without a trace.
2. Iodine is smeared on the tooth surface with a cotton swab, which is pre-moistened in water. Application must occur quickly and carefully. In this case, both the teeth themselves and the intermediate areas should be treated. Otherwise, there is a risk of a noticeable, unpresentable contrast appearing, which will be difficult to eliminate.

In case of diseases of the dentition or oral cavity (for example, periodontal disease, gum disease, caries), the use of iodine for whitening is strictly prohibited.

No. 17: with a special pencil

This semi-professional method is simple and accessible. That is why it can be used by people without specialized training.

As a rule, such products are produced in cylindrical containers. The kit also includes a brush or applicator.

The whitening effect is obtained due to the presence of one of two components in the composition. The first is hydrogen peroxide (5-12%), and the second is carbamide peroxide (up to 15%). The last element is more gentle. However, it will take longer to use a pencil based on it to achieve the desired whiteness.

Please note that the complete safety of such products is guaranteed only if the rules specified in the attached instructions are strictly followed.

No. 18: gel in mouth guards

This is another semi-professional product that can be used at home. To ensure uniform application of the whitening agent to the tooth surface, so-called trays are used. The latter are put on the upper part of the tooth immediately before bed and are removed only in the morning.

The pattern here is simple: the longer the gel acts on the chewing area, the more noticeable the whitening effect. True, it would also be a good idea to read the instructions from the manufacturer.

No. 19: dental strips

Essentially, these are thin and elastic plates, which before use are coated with a special composition based on hydrogen peroxide. Such strips follow the shape of the teeth with maximum accuracy. The whitening gel is fixed with the required reliability, which ensures a uniform and at the same time quite effective effect.

No. 20: specialized toothpastes

The modern market offers a huge selection of similar products of varying quality and price categories. These pastes can have different effects on plaque:

• dissolve what is already there;
• suppress its mineralization;
• prevent the emergence of something new.

In most of these products, the active substance that removes plaque is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate (or, in other words, regular baking soda) with polishing abrasives.

The impact is highly intense. For this reason, this method cannot be used too often. This is fraught with negative consequences in the form of abrasion and destruction of tooth enamel.

No. 21: barley

An Old Slavonic method with a centuries-old history. To prepare the bleaching substance, barley grains must first be burned. The resulting ash is then mixed with coarse salt.

It is necessary to brush your teeth with this mixture with extreme care. If used correctly, this procedure can not only provide a brightening effect, but also strengthen the gums.

No. 22: ash

Before use, the ash must be mixed with two other ingredients - lemon juice and soda. The resulting paste is applied to a moistened brush, after which ordinary teeth brushing is carried out for 3-5 minutes. Visible results often appear the first time.

No. 23: honey

The presence of medicinal and prophylactic properties in beekeeping products is a well-known fact. And if you add fine salt to honey, you get a specialized bleaching agent that is both effective and useful.

Moreover, such a mixture is almost the only folk remedy that can cure periodontal disease, which affects a huge number of people today.

The method of application is extremely simple: the above components are mixed in equal proportions. The finished substance is applied to the finger. Then you should gently massage it first on the gums, and then on the teeth. Recommended frequency of such a session: once a week.

No. 24: with matches

Unlike the method that uses burnt barley, in this case wood ash is used. At home, ordinary matches are suitable for obtaining it, from which you must first remove the sulfur. Next, the sticks need to be burned, and the resulting coal should be thoroughly crushed. Dip a moistened brush into the resulting substance and brush your teeth.

The ash from one match is often enough to carry out a single session.

No. 25: resin

Popularly, this component is often called resin. The latter, when used dentally, can provide a double effect: lightening the enamel and strengthening the gums. To do this, you need to put a piece of tree resin in your mouth and chew it thoroughly for several minutes. Provided the procedure is performed daily, the desired result becomes noticeable within about a month.

Teeth Whitening Strips

This modern product will allow you to achieve a visible cosmetic effect in a short time. Special strips with a brightening composition applied to them can be purchased at a pharmacy chain or in an online store. Consumers with sensitive teeth can purchase a gentler teeth whitening option.

Using the strips is very simple - you need to apply them to your teeth every day and leave them there for at least half an hour. After a month, the enamel will lighten by about 2-3 tones. The effect of a snow-white smile will last a couple of months, then the tooth enamel will darken again. A side effect of the procedure is a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity.

Whitening strips are high-end products; they are in a different price category and are more convenient to use compared to gels and trays. The strips adhere firmly to the teeth, allowing you to talk during the procedure.

The disadvantage of any whitening strips is that the interdental spaces cannot be lightened in this way.

Whitening strips: what effect to expect?

Teeth whitening strips with bleach applied to them are sold in pharmacies. They need to be glued to your teeth twice throughout the day. Duration - from five to twenty minutes. Strips are popular because anyone can follow the instructions. Plus - a delicate effect on the enamel.

You can choose one of the types to use:

1. classical;
2. intensive;
3. for sensitive enamel.

Be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions to avoid causing itching, inflammation or pain in the mouth. The expected result will be in about fifteen days, and the procedure itself will have to be carried out regularly for at least a month.

Whitening Pencil

Teeth whitening with tea tree oil

Prevention of yellowing of tooth enamel

To prevent yellowing of tooth enamel, you must adhere to good oral hygiene and avoid eating foods with coloring compounds.

In addition to brightly colored sugary sodas, candies and chocolates, foods that cause enamel damage include:

• Freshly squeezed and canned fruit juices - pomegranate, orange and others. In addition to the coloring compounds (phenols), which are contained in red berries and fruits, they have acid-forming properties, which enhances the process of staining the enamel;
• Wine, and not only red wine, but also white wine is potentially dangerous. Red contains phenols and tannin, white promotes acid formation and contains tannins, which give tooth enamel a yellow tint;
• Tea, coffee - with constant use, they provoke yellowing of tooth enamel no less than cigarettes. This is especially true for lovers of strong brewed black tea and coffee lovers who drink 3-4 cups of the drink per day;
• Condiments, sauces and spices - curry, balsamic vinegar, ketchup can cause yellowing of teeth if consumed in large quantities daily;
• Fruits and vegetables of bright colors - blueberries, blackberries, beets, raspberries, cherries. With all the benefits of these products, their coloring properties cannot be denied. This doesn't mean you need to cut them out of your diet completely, just that you need to take some precautions.

Contrary to the general belief that you can neutralize the harm of products that cause enamel staining if you immediately brush your teeth after eating them, this is not so. The fact is that enamel becomes vulnerable under the influence of acids immediately after eating. If you brush your teeth immediately after eating sweets or brightly colored fruits, you can mechanically damage the enamel, which only increases its sensitivity and promotes the formation of stains.

It is better to put clean water in your mouth and hold it there for several minutes. It is also helpful to hold saliva in your mouth before swallowing. Saliva contains natural components that protect the enamel from damage. These properties of saliva are used to promote chewing gum - the chewing process promotes increased salivation. But chewing gum is not the best option for daily use, as it may contain harmful ingredients, aspartame and other sweeteners.

There are also products that promote the formation of a protective film, which makes the enamel temporarily resistant to dyes and acid-forming substances. It is recommended to include such foods (for example, steamed broccoli) in the diet more often, eating them before eating food that is potentially harmful to teeth.

Smoking is one of the common causes of yellowing of teeth; patients at dental clinics regularly whiten their teeth to remove the so-called “smoker’s plaque.” As a result of constant exposure to cigarette smoke, yellow-brown stains appear on the teeth. It is necessary to limit this bad habit or completely abandon it in order to avoid yellowing of the enamel.

Immediately after bleaching, it is recommended to avoid eating foods and drinks that are colored and smoking. This is especially true for laser or acid whitening procedures at the dentist - at this time, tooth enamel becomes especially vulnerable to pigments.

In order to prevent yellowing of teeth after whitening and to maintain its effect for a long time, it is recommended to drink drinks that can cause pigmentation through a straw. This applies to red and other brightly colored fruit juices, soda, cocktails, tea and coffee - they are also drunk through a straw when chilled.

Teeth whitening with soda: methods

By using baking soda in the indicated quantities and following the process of applying it to your teeth, you can lighten them effectively and without harm.

You can use soda in several ways, each individual will choose a convenient option for himself.

Easy way

In this case, pure soda powder is used. It should be applied to a piece of gauze (previously soaked in water), a cotton swab, a finger, in rare cases, if you are sure that the enamel on the teeth is thick, then pour soda directly onto the toothbrush.

One of the selected tools needs to process each tooth separately.

Then rinse your mouth well and brush your teeth with regular toothpaste. Rinse everything again. After the first use, the color of the tooth enamel will become one (and in some cases two) shades lighter.

But this method of whitening can be used no more than 4 times a month, otherwise the abrasive particles present in the soda powder will intensively destroy the integrity of the enamel. The danger is that they act at a micro level and their harm will not be immediately noticeable!

Sometimes there are options for using soda powder together with toothpaste, but there is a high probability that it will neutralize the effect of some of the components of the paste, and the result will not be able to take hold.

Tasty way

In the summer, fragrant strawberries will help with teeth whitening. It contains malic acid, which enhances the effect of soda and helps achieve effective whitening. There are several recipes for preparing such a bleaching composition:

Recipe No. 1

Grind the strawberries into puree and add 1/3 of the resulting volume of soda to the resulting mass.

You should first brush your teeth with toothpaste, and then apply the strawberry whitening composition to them and leave it on for 10 minutes.

For the first time, five minutes will be enough. If the enamel is thin, then the exposure time can be reduced. After the procedure, your teeth need to be brushed again with a paste that definitely contains fluoride.

Recipe No. 2

Mash one medium strawberry and add 1 teaspoon to it. without a slide of soda. Stir the mixture until a homogeneous consistency is obtained, and then take the mixture in small parts and rub it into your teeth in a circular motion. It should take no more than three minutes to treat the entire oral cavity, then rinse out the remaining mixture thoroughly.

This composition is very aggressive, so it is so important not to exceed the time of its use so as not to scratch the enamel. Peroxide method

Peroxide method

This option has a strong whitening effect, since when baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are combined, an aggressive mixture is formed. It can be used by people with thick enamel, otherwise these components can make teeth hypersensitive and even provoke periodontal disease.

The sour way

With this bleaching option, lemon is used, or rather its juice. In the recipe, there are two parts of soda for one part. If the amount of lemon ingredient is greater, this can cause deterioration in the condition of the enamel, and lead to an increase in its porosity, and as a result, the appearance of caries.

So, for those who are afraid to risk the condition of their teeth, it is better to use lemon peels. To whiten, you need to chew them, but not more than 4 times a month, because the acid they contain can corrode the enamel.

Three-component method

It involves the use of: soda, hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice.

To prepare the bleaching composition, you need to maintain the following proportions:

• 0.5 tsp each lemon juice and soda;
• 5 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide.

This mixture is applied to the teeth with your fingertips. In this case, the brush cannot be used. The composition is applied carefully, and you need to avoid getting it on the gums.

This method increases the sensitivity of the teeth, after which you should not eat hot or cold foods for an hour.

Each of the above methods can have a whitening effect; when choosing one of them, you need to take into account the condition of your teeth and enamel.

How long does whitening result last?

Author of the article: Muravitsky Boris Viktorovich, dentist, especially for the site ayzdorov.ru