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2 Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

Dental staining can occur each time you eat a meal or drink a beverage. The dyes and natural pigments contained in the foods that you ingest can be absorbed by the pores of the teeth and cause yellowing. Still, you don't have to settle for discoloration. There are multiple ways to whiten your teeth. Here are a few of them:

Natural Whitening

If you prefer to whiten your teeth naturally, there are many natural substances that can be used to brighten your smile.

Turmeric Powder

Turmeric, which is the orangish yellow powder that is used to flavor many Indian dishes, can surprisingly be used to whiten teeth. If you have ever used turmeric in a recipe, you may have noticed that it can quickly stain your skin as well as your clothing. Nevertheless, the mild abrasiveness of turmeric powder can help polish away discoloration. In addition, if you choose to whiten with turmeric, you may enjoy additional oral health benefits.

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. As the turmeric whitens the teeth, it also soothes the soft tissues of the mouth and helps kill oral bacteria.

To use turmeric to whiten your teeth, dip the moist bristles of your toothbrush in the powder and apply to your teeth like a toothpaste.

Baking Soda and Peroxide Paste

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide form a powerful combination for tooth whitening. To use the mixture, add enough peroxide to about a spoonful of baking soda to form a runny paste. Brush with the mixture as you would with traditional toothpaste.

The baking soda helps polish way dental stains, and the peroxide has bleaching capabilities. Furthermore, baking soda is alkaline, so it can help neutralize acid in the mouth. In addition, peroxide is antibacterial and can decrease the number of oral bacteria.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal can also be used to brighten the teeth. The dark powder can be brushed onto the teeth with your toothbrush.

As you brush with the powder, you may notice that your teeth look black. However, the darkness will quickly be rinsed away after you brush. The charcoal helps absorb dental stains and scrapes away yellowing plaque.

In-Office Whitening

If you have deep dental staining, you may prefer a teeth whitening procedure by a dental professional. In-office dental whitening is performed by a dentist. The provider uses a peroxide-based bleaching gel and applies a special light to intensify the treatment. In-office whitening can whiten the teeth multiple shades during a single application.

To whiten your teeth quickly and safely, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area.


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