A beautiful smile is an excellent business card because this feature conveys confidence and makes it easy to get close to other people.
But over the years, some day-to-day habits end up altering the natural color of the enamel, leaving our teeth stained or yellowed.
Dark drinks such as coffee and cola drinks, improper brushing and cigarette use are some of the main factors that contribute to tooth darkening.
If you are feeling uncomfortable with this problem and would like to clarify them, you can test the home-made tricks we listed below. Always remember not to abuse these methods as they are usually abrasive and can damage the enamel of the teeth if they are used in excess:
1. Sodium bicarbonate and lemon
This is one of the most popular methods for whitening your teeth at home. Although these ingredients do not work very well alone, the chemical reaction they produce is quite efficient.
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda and the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon. Remove excess saliva and plaque with a cotton swab and then brush your teeth with the mixture. Wait a minute and rinse thoroughly.
Tip: Do not leave the mixture in your teeth for more than a minute as the acid can corrode the enamel and make them very sensitive, and apply it at most once a week.
2. Strawberry
There are some indications that strawberries can help to whiten your teeth due to their acid content. You can use it in two ways: brushing your teeth with a crushed strawberry or mixing the fruit with your toothpaste.
In both cases, you should rinse your mouth very well after brushing, preferably with water mixed with a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity of the strawberry. Do this once or twice a week.
3. Hydrogen peroxide
The abrasive power of hydrogen peroxide can also help whiten your teeth. To do this, mix two tablespoons of volume 10 hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of water.
Wet a cotton or gauze in this mixture and gently rub it over your teeth. Then rinse with plenty of water to remove all the product.
4. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate
Make a sort of homemade toothpaste by mixing 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
With a soft toothbrush (the recipe is already quite abrasive by itself), apply the product as if it were a normal toothpaste. Rinse until all product is removed and brush as usual.
Do not use the mixture more than twice a week to avoid damaging the enamel of your teeth.
5. Activated carbon
Activated charcoal is a substance with high absorption capacity, including being able to remove stains from the teeth. For this tip, you can buy activated powder card or, if not found, in tablets, but you will have to grind them.
Separate some of the charcoal and dip a damp toothbrush into the powder until you can get enough of it to cover all your teeth. It is advisable to separate a brush only for this purpose.
Make circular motions on your teeth for about two minutes and spit out as much of the charcoal as you can. Then rinse your mouth several times until the product is completely removed. Brush your teeth normally.
Detail: Avoid doing this trick right after ingesting a drug, as activated charcoal can absorb the active substance and reduce its effect.
6. Orange peel
The white part of the orange peel contains a substance called d-limonene, which helps remove stains from the teeth. The tip is to rub the white part on the teeth, letting it take effect for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing and brushing normally.
You will need to repeat this method several times a week for 15-20 days to notice whitening.
7. Ripe banana peel
By being rich in potassium, magnesium, and manganese, bananas can help whiten teeth and remove stains. For a better effect, choose a fruit that is completely ripe.
After peeling the banana, rub the inside of the bark on your teeth for about two minutes and let it take effect for about 15 minutes. Try not to put your lips on your teeth too much during this time. Brush teeth normally.
Repeat the procedure two to three times a week, but no more so as not to damage the enamel. The effect should appear after 15 to 20 days.
Remember these are homemade methods and they will not offer the same result as a treatment done at a dental clinic, but they can help soften a very yellowish appearance.
If you notice any increase in the sensitivity or texture of your teeth, stop the home treatment and seek the guidance of a professional.
