I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
If your teeth are looking a bit yellow or stained, your first instinct may be to call your dentist and schedule a professional whitening treatment. However, doing so can be expensive (between $400 and $900). It's worth your while to try some at-home whitening treatments first. Beyond at-home whitening kits, which can even cost as much as $70, there are several much cheaper, natural remedies to consider trying.
Orange Peel
You might be throwing the perfect tooth whitening product in your trash! Orange peels contain a compound called d-limonene, which is an ingredient in some whitening products. Scientific studies have verified that it can reduce stains on teeth -- especially those caused by smoking. One way to harness this natural tooth whitener is to simply rub the white side of the peel all over your teeth. You can also mix dried orange peel and salt, and then rub this mixture over your teeth. Do not use orange juice as a substitute for orange peel -- its acidic nature will do more harm than good, possibly causing acid erosion of your teeth.
Strawberries
Rubbing strawberries over your teeth is another way to whiten them naturally. These berries contain a compound called malic acid, which can help dissolve staining materials and leave your teeth looking whiter. To enhance the effects of the strawberries, try crushing one with about 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and then using this mixture to brush your teeth. The grittiness of the baking soda will help scrub away deeper stains. You may want to floss afterwards to remove those strawberry seeds! Don't overdo this method, or you may risk acid erosion. Once a week is sufficient.
Sea Salt
It might seem too good to be true, but really all you may need to do to make your teeth look a bit whiter is empty your salt shaker. It won't whiten your teeth overnight, but over time, brushing with sea salt will help scrub away stains. The minerals it contains help protect against tartar, which helps keep stains from getting worse. Just dip a moist toothbrush into some seal salt, and brush as you normally would. Repeat this process daily for best results.
If you have mild to moderate staining, don't spend hundreds on a professional whitening treatment until you've tried these remedies first. If you're not happy with your results, then it is time to call your dentist, like those at Carolina Forest Family Dentistry and discuss more drastic measures.
Share24 December 2015
