NATURAL TEETH WHITENING - TEETH-HEALTH

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Natural Teeth Whitening

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natural teeth is the cheapest alternative to chemical bleaching, professional dental whitening performed with hydrogen peroxide or other chemical lighteners. The ancient techniques of natural teeth whitening are therefore opposed to the most modern (and expensive) cosmetic dentistry treatments, indicated for obtaining an enviable smile and very white teeth.

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Having white teeth and a sparkling smile is not always synonymous with clean and healthy teeth. Before resorting to any whitening treatment - whether natural or chemical - a specialist dental visit is essential. In fact, it is up to the dentist to consent or not to whiten the teeth and indicate the most appropriate type.
In the presence of caries, gingivitis, pathologies of the oral cavity, pulpits or dental hypersensitivity, teeth whitening is recommended only after having treated the underlying problem. This is why it is important to periodically undergo (every 6-12 months) professional dental hygiene and, at least once a year, to have a dental check-up (and not just when your teeth hurt ...).

Since the earliest times, man has been looking for solutions to improve the aesthetics of the smile. As often happens, the combination of toothpaste + toothbrush + mouthwash is not always sufficient to guarantee very white teeth. Not to mention all those substances that cause stains on the teeth, making them unsightly and clumsy. Although less effective than professional teeth whitening, natural teeth whitening can still improve the appearance and color of yellow or stained teeth.
In this regard, let us briefly recall that the worst enemies of white teeth are substances such as coffee, tea, chocolate and tobacco. Smoking, genetic predisposition and aging can also alter the much sought-after dental whiteness.

used in the past to whiten teeth are, still today, important measures to improve the aesthetics of the smile.
Not all natural whitening treatments are created equal. Some are quite delicate and relatively inexpensive, while others are more aggressive and can cause serious damage to tooth enamel.
There are numerous natural teeth whitening treatments that you can rely on. However, even if labeled as "natural", they should always be used with moderation and caution.
In fact, contrary to what many think, "natural" is not necessarily synonymous with safety, on the contrary. Often, natural remedies can present various risks and cause harm, especially when used by people who are not fully familiar with the properties of the aforementioned natural substances.
Just to give an example, if many are aware of the "miraculous" whitening effect of sodium bicarbonate, few know that excessive use of the same substance can cause damage such as gingival bleeding, dental hypersensitivity, alterations of the natural bacterial flora of the mouth, etc. ..

The sage

Apples, raisins, celery and carrots

The lemon

The orange peel

The hydrogen peroxide

Ash from walnut wood

The root of the Araak tree

So let's do some clarity by analyzing the different teeth whitening strategies with the aforementioned types of natural whiteners, whose characteristics, method of use, positive aspects, negative ones and potential risks associated with their use will be described. .

Sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda is certainly one of the best known home and natural remedies for whitening teeth. The whitening action is exerted by abrasion.
In fact, added to a few drops of water, bicarbonate acts as a natural whitening toothpaste for teeth. This whitening action can be enhanced by adding a few drops of lemon juice to this paste.
The effectiveness of this natural whitener has been proven and recognized for some time, not surprisingly, it is often added to toothpastes to obtain a product with a natural whitening effect.

Benefits

Removes stains and imperfections from dental enamel.
Makes teeth shiny and healthy.

Risks and Disadvantages

It is necessary to rinse abundantly your mouth after whitening your teeth with baking soda.
Prolonged use of this natural whitener is not recommended because it can erode the enamel from your teeth.
It must be used in the right doses to avoid endangering dental health.
Unpleasant taste.
The increase in the pH of the oral cavity exerted by bicarbonate alters the bacterial flora of the mouth.
Contraindicated in the presence of exposed dentin and root cement.
It can promote or increase dental hypersensitivity.

Sage

Sage is another ancient remedy used successfully for white teeth and fresh breath. Generally, it is recommended to rub a sage leaf directly on the teeth, or it can be used for the preparation of homemade toothpastes (for more information, see the article "Sage: White Teeth and Healthy Gums").

Benefits

Removes stains formed on the outer surface of the tooth.
Naturally whitens the teeth by exerting a chemical and mechanical (abrasive) action.
It also has a moderate antibacterial effect.
Remedy for halitosis.

Risks and Disadvantages

Do not abuse: it is sufficient to repeat the application twice a week. Excessive use of sage as a natural whitener can increase dentinal sensitivity.

Malic acid

Malic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid characteristic of fruit, particularly abundant in apples and strawberries. Also in this case, it is usually advisable to rub the fruit in question directly on the teeth. Alternatively, the fruits can be ground to obtain a paste that will be applied to the teeth.
The strawberry paste rich in malic acid must be kept on the teeth for at least 5 minutes to ensure a good natural whitening effect.
Furthermore, green apple juice is particularly rich in terms of malic acid; therefore, it can be occasionally used as a natural mouthwash.

Benefits

Increase the brightness of the teeth.
It has a good natural whitening effect.

Risks and Disadvantages

The whitening method must be used with caution because malic acid could damage the tooth enamel.
This whitening tool should not be used more than 2 times a week.

Apples, raisins, celery and carrots

These foods act as natural stain removers and whiteners because they increase the production of saliva, a physiological self-cleaning agent that also helps prevent plaque build-up. Furthermore, the apple - as we have seen - is also rich in malic acid which increases its whitening action.

Benefits

In addition to acting as natural whiteners, apples, celery and carrots also help maintain fresh breath, hindering the survival of the bacteria responsible for halitosis.

Risks and Disadvantages

No particular risks or disadvantages related to natural teeth whitening with celery, apples, carrots and raisins are reported.

Lemon (peel and juice)

Lemon is another of the best known natural whiteners, used both in the past and in recent times. It is particularly suitable for whitening yellow teeth caused by cigarette smoking.
You can use both the juice and the peel which will have to be rubbed directly on the teeth. Alternatively, the juice can be added to the whitening paste made with baking soda.

Benefits

It has a valid natural whitening effect.

Risks and Disadvantages

An abuse of this natural whitening substance (juice or peel) on the teeth can damage the enamel due to its excessive acidity.
After rinsing with lemon juice (or after rubbing the peel on the teeth) an immediate mouth wash with plenty of warm water is recommended.

Orange peel

The orange peel has a natural whitening effect similar to that obtained with lemon. Generally, it is advisable to rub the orange peel directly on the teeth.

Benefits

The whitening effect obtained is very good, similar to that of lemon.

Risks and Disadvantages

In the presence of dental hypersensitivity, the natural whitening performed with the orange peel can increase the perceived discomfort.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) can be considered the whitening substance par excellence which, however, must be used with great caution.
A 3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide can be used as an occasional method of natural teeth whitening.
Alternatively, you can make a natural whitening toothpaste by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide.

Benefits

Good whitening effect.

Risks and Disadvantages

To avoid damage and side effects, hydrogen peroxide must absolutely NOT be ingested.
For the same reason mentioned above, after the treatment, it is essential to rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Walnut ash

The use of walnut wood ash is an ancient remedy used as a natural dental whitening treatment. The whitening action is due to the potassium hydroxide contained in the ash.
Alternatively, to get a natural whitening of the teeth, you can also rub the bark of the walnut wood.
However, this natural whitening method should be used in moderation.

Benefits

Good whitening effect.

Risks and Disadvantages

The potassium hydroxide contained in the ash can cause burning in the mouth.

Root of the Araak tree

The root of the Araak tree (Salvadora persica) - also known as "Miswak" - is an ancient remedy for cleaning teeth, already used by the ancient Egyptian and Babylonian populations who considered it a real tool for oral hygiene.
The root can be found in various health food stores, specialty stores and even online in the form of a stick that needs to be rubbed into the teeth. The whitening action - and, in part, antibacterial - is due to the richness of substances it contains, including fluorides, silicon and vitamin C.

Benefits

Allows you to perform a good natural whitening.
It also has an "antiseptic action.

Risks and Disadvantages

If rubbed too hard, Araak root can be abrasive.
Excessive rubbing can affect tooth enamel.
Excessive use can increase dentinal sensitivity.

Other Natural Whiteners

Some sources report a curious natural whitening effect obtained by mixing water with micro-fragments of rock salt. Similarly, apple cider vinegar can also exert a discreet natural whitening effect on the teeth.

Please Note

Remember once again that natural teeth whitening should not be performed in the presence of caries, pyorrhea, gingivitis, tartar and pulpitis.

promoted by natural whitening, it is a good idea to avoid staining your teeth as much as possible. Here are some useful tips to keep your teeth white and healthy (as long as possible):

Thorough oral hygiene
Brush your teeth after each meal or snack
Not smoking
Alternate toothpastes formulated with natural whitening substances to those for sensitive teeth
Beware of toothpastes that are too aggressive for tooth enamel
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Do not abuse disinfectant mouthwashes
Limit your intake of coffee, tea and chocolate

Use the natural whitening substances with caution and for short periods. Excessive teeth whitening treatments (both chemical and natural) can attack the enamel and make the teeth hypersensitive.