If you’re looking for easy ways to whiten your teeth, you might be wondering if you have to schedule an appointment with your dentist or if you can safely whiten your teeth at home.
Unfortunately, some DIY teeth whitening kits are not all that safe to use. In some cases, these kits can even leave spots behind or, worse, cause eventual tooth and gum sensitivity.
But DIY whitening kits and pricey dentist visits are not the only ways to get a whiter, brighter smile. Here are five safe and effective ways to whiten your teeth at home.
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Switch To An Electric Toothbrush
Brushing twice each day is crucial for healthy teeth, but the kind of toothbrush you use can make a difference. While soft-bristle toothbrushes are best, electric toothbrushes really are more effective at brushing away plaque, bacteria, and stains. Some electric toothbrushes even have a built-in timer, so you brush your teeth for long enough.
So if you’re still using a regular toothbrush, shop around for electric toothbrush kits to whiten your teeth without changing your habits.
Use Activated Charcoal Strips
While it’s never wise to brush your teeth with activated charcoal because the abrasive texture can damage teeth, leaving activated charcoal strips on your teeth for half an hour can brighten your smile.
Charcoal can effectively absorb stains and lighten enamel. Moreover, activated charcoal is safer for gum health than harsh chemical whitening solutions found in whitening kits.
Cut Out Foods That Cause Stains
Some foods and beverages can cause teeth to turn yellow. Coffee, tea, sticky candy, sodas, and various other foods are not great for oral health. Cut these foods out, and you’ll gradually notice your teeth whitening.
While cutting out foods that cause stains, you can add foods that whiten teeth naturally, like apples, strawberries, and pineapples.
Stop Smoking Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes can yellow your teeth a lot faster than you might realize. Unfortunately, smoking tobacco is a sure way to a yellowing smile. You’ll notice your teeth start to whiten after about a month of kicking the habit.
Giving up cigarettes will require some willpower. However, you can also switch to vaping to ease withdrawal symptoms. Vape liquid contains a significantly lower number of chemicals, so it’s a better option than tobacco.
Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used to whiten teeth at home safely. You’ll need to mix about two teaspoons of vinegar with 6 ounces of water and swirl the solution in your mouth for about thirty seconds before repeating the process.
Apple cider vinegar has a mild bleaching effect on teeth, so you can brighten your smile with this common kitchen ingredient.
There are a few ways to whiten your teeth safely at home. But even so, the safest options won’t work overnight. You will need to cut out harmful habits, maintain an ideal oral hygiene routine, and use natural teeth whitening remedies two to three times monthly before you start noticing significant results.
