Secrets to Whiter Teeth You Probably Didn’t Know

Who doesn’t want a beautiful, brilliant white smile? After all, sparkling white teeth are a sign of good dental health, and they show that you care about your appearance. What do you do if your smile isn’t as bright as you’d like?

For most people, brushing alone isn’t enough to get whiter teeth. Fortunately, you can try several home whitening treatments to lighten and brighten your teeth naturally. 

Here are some simple secrets to whiter teeth that you may not know about. Why not give these a try for brighter, whiter teeth between dental visits?

Secret #1: Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

There’s a good reason that so many whitening toothpaste brands on the market advertise the fact that they contain some amount of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or both. When combined, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can boost your teeth whitening regimen and give you great at-home results.

Baking soda is an abrasive substance that’s gentle enough to use on your teeth. It won’t do much to whiten your teeth when used alone, but it can help clean your teeth more thoroughly. 

Hydrogen peroxide is found in most at-home tooth whitening kits, though it’s usually in a higher percentage than the stuff you can buy at the pharmacy. Peroxides act as mild bleaching agents and can gently brighten your teeth. 

You can make a mouthwash using one part hydrogen peroxide to one part water, or you can make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Brush your teeth with this DIY whitening paste a few times each week for a gentle, gradual whitening of your teeth.

Secret #2: Consider Coconut Oil

While it may sound a little kooky, swishing coconut oil around your mouth could have some pretty valuable benefits. Oil pulling, or swishing certain oils around inside your mouth, is a popular Ayurvedic healing technique. Coconut oil, in particular, has a reputation for being good for your teeth and your entire mouth.

Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help keep harmful germs under control inside your mouth. By swishing coconut oil in your mouth for a few minutes or more each day, you could reduce the number of harmful bacteria that lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, halitosis, and discolored teeth.

While coconut oil doesn’t necessarily whiten your teeth, it can help lighten discoloration caused by plaque and bacteria. Plus, it may help prevent tooth decay and keep your smile looking better for longer.

Secret #3: Brush Every Time You Eat

It may not be the most mysterious oral hygiene secret, but it’s one of the most effective. If you brush your teeth after every time you eat, you will significantly reduce the likelihood of stains forming on your teeth.

Frequent, gentle brushing (or rinsing with water when you can’t brush) reduces the time that food particles spend clinging to your teeth. It also reduces the bacteria growing in your mouth, which can help you prevent things like plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath.

Secret #4: Munch On Raw Fruits and Veggies

Crunching down on a crisp apple or crunchy carrot provides more than just a satisfying auditory experience, and it also provides a beneficial oral experience. Raw fruits and vegetables help remove plaque and tartar from teeth when you chew them, making them appear clean and shiny.

Additionally, the act of chewing also increases the production of saliva, which helps neutralize bacteria before it can damage your teeth. Choose crunchy foods like raw carrots, apples, and broccoli to get the most benefit from your snack.

Secret #5: Visit Your Dentist Regularly

You may be thinking that this ‘secret’ really isn’t that big of a secret, but it is the best way to make sure that your teeth stay healthy and strong. Your dentist can help you pinpoint what is causing your tooth discoloration and help you make a plan to combat it.

Sometimes, the foods we eat and our drinks can be blamed, but other things can lead to tooth discoloration. Certain diseases, medications, and even aging can lead to yellow or discolored teeth. 

If your at-home whitening methods aren’t helping, book a visit with your dentist. They can help you determine what’s causing the discoloration and help you make a plan to fix it.

Let Carrie Muzny DDS Help Brighten Your Smile

There’s no one magic bullet when it comes to getting and keeping a great smile. What you eat is as important as how often you brush and floss, but sometimes, even the healthiest smiles can use a little help.

At Carrie Muzny DDS, we have your needs and your comfort in mind. From cleanings to fillings, to whitening and veneers, we provide everything you need to get the smile you deserve. We cover several insurance providers, provide a variety of services, and have experience in many areas of dentistry. 

Contact us today to discuss your options and learn more about how you can have the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.