How to Whiten your Yellow Teeth

When your pearly whites no longer look sparkly, it often becomes a cause of concern. Don't worry; there are many ways to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth.

Yellowing of teeth over a period of time is natural and is not always indicative of bad oral hygiene.

All the food we eat is broken down by the bacteria naturally present in our mouths. The acid produced as a by-product of this process slowly corrodes the enamel of the teeth, revealing the yellow underneath.

Sweet and acidic foods are the most likely food source for teeth yellowing. Staining caused by smoking or drinking too much coffee can also tarnish your smile.

There are measures you can take to restore the brightness of your smile. Professional teeth whitening and over-the-counter whitening toothpaste are the most common.

If you have sensitive teeth, getting them bleached periodically or subjecting them to different brands of whitening toothpaste might not be the best approach.

Instead, you may choose from a variety of natural remedies from your own kitchen to whiten your teeth instantly. Depending on your tooth sensitivity, you can easily adjust the ingredients you use to fit your own preference.

Know that no teeth whitening procedure is permanent. There is nothing you can do to prevent occasional staining or yellowing of your teeth.

You can, however, adopt a lifestyle that’s good for your oral health. This will also help preserve the whiteness of your teeth, once you’ve removed the yellow tinge with one of these teeth-whitening remedies.

Here are five methods to whiten your yellow teeth in 2 minutes:

• Method 1: Using Baking Soda
• Method 2: Using Banana Peel
• Method 3: Using Orange Peel
• Method 4: Using Strawberry Paste
• Method 5: Using Turmeric Powder

Method 1: Using Baking Soda

Being mildly abrasive, baking soda can help clean the buildup on your teeth. It also helps break down the stains on the enamel. (1)

Being slightly alkaline, it works to restore the pH of your mouth, which is often acidic due to the consumption of various foods.

While baking soda is a great teeth-whitening agent in itself, combining it with other ingredients results in effective teeth-whitening remedies.

A. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda
• Fresh lemon juice
• Toothbrush

Step 1. Make a baking soda and lemon juice paste

Put a little baking soda in a small bowl. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the bowl. Mix the baking soda and lemon juice evenly and let the fizzing die down.

The quantity of the paste needed depends on the size of your teeth.

Step 2. Apply the paste on your teeth

Put the paste on your toothbrush and apply it to your teeth. You don’t have to brush your teeth intensely with this paste.

Apply the paste evenly, covering all the surfaces of your teeth, and leave it on for 1 minute before rinsing your mouth thoroughly. Repeat this method once a week for 1 month for good results.

B. Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide and Toothpaste

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – 1 teaspoon
• Toothpaste

Step 1. Combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Put 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Mix the ingredients to form a paste.

While some over-the-counter teeth-whitening toothpaste have 10% hydrogen peroxide, it is strictly advised to use a 3% solution in this remedy to limit the chances of tooth sensitivity.

Step 2. Mix in toothpaste

Add some toothpaste to the bowl. The amount of the toothpaste should be equal to that of the baking soda paste.

Mix the contents of the bowl thoroughly to make your own teeth-whitening paste.

Step 3. Apply the teeth-whitening paste

Apply this teeth-whitening paste to your teeth with a toothbrush, brushing lightly. Let the paste stand for 1 minute before thoroughly rinsing your mouth with plain water.

C. Baking Soda and Coconut Oil

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil – ½ teaspoon

Step 1. Make a paste of baking soda and coconut oil

Put 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small bowl and add ½ teaspoon of coconut oil. Mix the contents into a paste. The quantity of the paste can be increased or decreased as desired.

The bacterial activity in your mouth is what often leads to yellowing of the teeth. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is beneficial in eliminating the bacteria in your mouth.

When combined with baking soda, coconut oil effectively counters the yellowing of the teeth. It is also beneficial in promoting gum health and fresh breath.

Step 2. Brush your teeth with the paste

Use a toothbrush to brush your teeth with this paste. Thoroughly rinse your mouth afterward. Brush your teeth with this paste twice a week for good results.

D.Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda
• Apple cider vinegar

Step 1. Mix baking soda with apple cider vinegar

Put some baking soda in a small bowl. Add enough apple cider vinegar to make a paste. Mix evenly.

Apple cider vinegar is effective in removing stains and whitening the teeth. It also helps keep the bacteria in your mouth in check.

Step 2. Apply the paste to your teeth

Lightly brush your teeth with the paste. Spit and rinse your mouth well.

Repeat once a week. Apple cider vinegar shows results over a period of time. So, be patient for a month or two, and you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling smile.

Method 2: Using Banana Peel

Things you’ll need:

• Fresh banana peel

Step 1. Rub the white portion of the banana peel over your teeth

Rub the white portion of a fresh banana peel over your teeth. Brush your teeth a few minutes after using the peel. You can repeat this method 2 or 3 times a week. (2)

The banana peel is rich in magnesium, manganese, and potassium, which revive the tooth enamel and restore the shine to your smile. This peel also contains antimicrobial properties that remove bacteria responsible for yellowish teeth.

Method 3: Using Orange Peel

Things you’ll need:

• Fresh orange peel (2)

Step 1. Rub the white pith of the orange peel over your teeth

Rub the white pith of a fresh orange peel over your teeth. It might taste bitter, but being rich in magnesium, vitamin C, and soluble fibers, it helps in whitening the teeth. (2)

This peel also contains antimicrobial properties that remove bacteria responsible for yellowing teeth. Furthermore, the peel is not acidic like its fruit, so it doesn’t harm the tooth enamel.

This method can be repeated twice a week for good results. You can also chew the orange peel for better results. And no need to spit it out either, as orange peels improve digestion and speed up metabolism.

Method 4: Using Strawberry Paste

Things you’ll need:

• Strawberries – 2 or 3 berries with green stems removed

Step 1. Scrub your teeth with mashed strawberries

This fruit contains antimicrobial properties that remove bacteria responsible for yellowing teeth. (2)

Mash 2 or 3 large strawberries into a paste. Apply the strawberry paste over your teeth with a toothbrush or a cotton ball.

Let it stay on your teeth for 3 to 5 minutes before spitting it out. Brush your teeth afterward.

Use this remedy once a week. Overdoing it may harm the enamel of your teeth and even weaken them.

Method 5: Using Turmeric Powder

Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil – ½ tablespoon
• Peppermint essential oil – 1 or 2 drops

Step 1. Combine turmeric powder, coconut oil, and peppermint oil

Put 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, ½ tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 or 2 drops of peppermint essential oil in a small bowl. Mix the ingredients into a paste.

You can add distilled water if needed to mix the ingredients well.

Lightly brush your teeth with the yellow paste. Let it stay on your teeth for 3 to 5 minutes before you spit and rinse your mouth. Repeat this remedy weekly until you get the desired results.

Contrary to turmeric's general staining prowess, it can help whiten the teeth. Being mildly abrasive, it clears up plaque buildup, revealing whiter teeth.

Additionally, turmeric contains both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which will further enhance good oral hygiene.

Coconut oil prevents bacterial activity, and peppermint oil freshens up your mouth.

Additional Tips

• Stick to the prescribed frequency of application when using these teeth-whitening remedies. Over-application may erode the enamel on your teeth and give rise to teeth sensitivity over time.
• If your teeth feel sensitive to lemon juice, you can use just a plain baking soda and water paste. Leave this paste on your teeth for about 3 minutes before rinsing your mouth.
• Those who have braces or permanent dental fittings or fixtures should not use baking soda remedies. Baking soda can soften the adhesive that holds these fittings together.
• A weekly apple cider vinegar gargle is also beneficial for long-term teeth whitening.
• Coconut oil can be used daily for a gradual teeth-whitening procedure. Just “push and pull” a mouthful of coconut oil between your teeth.
• Excessive consumption of dark drinks like cola, tea, or coffee should be avoided to maintain the whiteness of your teeth.
• Crunchy veggies like apples, carrots, cucumbers, and celery are abrasive and do a great job of keeping your teeth clean and preserving their shine.

Resources:

1. Yiming Li, DDS, MSD, Ph.D. The Journal of the American Dental Association. The Journal of the American Dental Association. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30811-5/fulltext. Published 2017.
2. Abhay, S. Formulation and evaluation of new polyherbal toothpaste for oral care. http://www.ijournalhs.org/article.asp?issn=2542-6214;year=2015;volume=8;issue=1;spage=24;epage=27;aulast=Abhay. Published 2015.
3. Sharma, A., Ahlawat, B. & Sharma, S. Turmeric - Its Applications in Dentistry. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/390227748/Turmeric-Its-Applications-in-Dentistry. Journal of Advanced Restorative Medicine. Published 2016.

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