Yellow teeth are one of the biggest health problems that interfere with a person's appearance and have the potential to damage their self-confidence. Do you often feel reluctant to smile because you have less white teeth? Don't worry, you're not alone! Over time, the color of human teeth can indeed change due to aging, consumption of certain foods, and incorrect grooming patterns. If you want to whiten your teeth, try reading this article for the full tips! Some of the tips below you can easily practice at home, but some require the assistance of an expert dentist.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Household Appliances
Step 1. Floss your teeth
Areas between teeth that are rarely cleaned are a haven for dental plaque! Therefore, make sure you are diligent in cleaning between your teeth using floss to remove plaque that has the potential to change the color of your teeth. If possible, do this method every day!
- At least, prepare a thread that is 40 cm long. Grasp each end of the floss with both hands, and move it up and down between each tooth. Try bending the floss so that it forms a "C" so that the floss covers the entire surface of your teeth. Make sure you always use a clean section of floss to clean between different teeth, okay?
- Between your teeth, floss at least six times. Do this method in very gentle motions so as not to damage your gums!
Step 2. Make your own toothpaste
The truth is, you don't need to do very expensive treatments to whiten your teeth! Instead, just use ingredients you already have at home, for example, by making a toothpaste out of baking soda and lemon juice. Baking soda works to balance the pH levels in your mouth, while lemon juice acts as a natural remedy to whiten the surface of your teeth.
- Prepare a few tsp. baking soda and a little lemon juice; Mix well until the texture is thick like toothpaste. After that, use a toothbrush to rub it all over the surface of your teeth. Let the toothpaste sit for a minute before rinsing it clean.
- Do not brush your teeth too hard so that the outer layer of the teeth is not damaged!
Step 3. Make a dental scrub
A scrub made from a combination of baking soda, strawberries, and salt is quite effective in whitening your teeth. Coarse grains of salt serve to exfoliate dental plaque; Meanwhile, strawberries are very rich in vitamin C so that it can dissolve dental plaque in an instant.
To make this scrub, mash two to three strawberries and mix them with a little salt and baking soda. After that, rub the scrub onto the surface of the teeth using a toothbrush. Let the scrub sit for five minutes before rinsing it off
Step 4. Gargle with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most likely substances to have in your home; Generally, hydrogen peroxide is used to treat various minor wounds. Apparently, hydrogen peroxide can also be used to whiten teeth, you know! The trick, gargle with hydrogen peroxide for a few seconds, then brush your teeth as usual.
Step 5. Take advantage of the fruits that are in your refrigerator
Apart from strawberries and lemons, you can also get rid of yellowish stains on your teeth using orange peel! Before going to bed at night, rub an orange peel on the surface of your teeth for a few minutes; The high vitamin C content in oranges will shed dental plaque within a few weeks.
Step 6. Buy a toothpaste that contains whitening
If you don't want to make your own whitening products, try buying them at the nearest supermarket or pharmacy! Make sure you buy a toothpaste that contains bleach; Also look for brands that have been approved by BPOM.
Step 7. Perform regular dental care
Some of the methods in this article can actually whiten your teeth instantly; however, keep taking care of your teeth regularly to maximize its benefits and provide you with long-term results.
Method 2 of 3: Doing Treatment at the Dentist
Step 1. Choose a dentist you trust
Believe me, choosing a dentist can not be arbitrary! For that, try asking the people closest to you for a recommendation for a qualified dentist or looking for information on the internet. When asked for a consultation, make sure the dentist you choose is willing to answer all questions regarding the procedure that interests you.
Step 2. Use a whitening gel
Most likely, your dentist will recommend a procedure that uses a whitening product (usually in the form of a gel). First, the doctor will make an impression of your teeth; After that, a whitening gel will be applied to the mold and the finished whitening mold should be worn for as long as the doctor recommends.
This procedure is painless; however, still consult your dentist for details
Step 3. Use abrasive strips
Most likely, your dentist has it; abrasive strips are thin sheets of paper that can be inserted between your teeth and used to remove yellowish plaque from teeth. Just like polishing shoes, your dentist will apply the strips to your teeth and gently scrub them. Since these strips are abrasive, make sure you don't do them yourself at home to avoid damaging the outer layer of your teeth.
Do not consume colored drinks (such as wine, coffee, or cola) after this treatment
Step 4. Try the dental laser method
Laser teeth whitening is one of the newest methods that has been widely used by dentists. Interested in trying it? First, the doctor will apply liquid peroxide to the outer layer of the tooth; after that, the teeth that have been smeared with peroxide will be irradiated with a very bright light. Although the laser teeth whitening method is very quick and painless, it is generally very expensive and is not covered by insurance. To be sure, make sure you contact your health insurance before doing so.
Step 5. Visit a dental spa clinic
Many people are afraid or uncomfortable about going to the dentist. If the same situation happened to you, why not try visiting a dental spa clinic instead? Such clinics also provide spa services such as soft pillows and gentle shoulder massages in addition to general dental care. This option is worth considering for those of you who are afraid to enter the dentist's office!
Step 6. Recognize the risks
Before taking any method, always consult with your doctor for various possible side effects. Remember, even methods or products that are considered safe can cause problems for some people, especially those with sensitive teeth and gums.
Generally, dentists will tailor the teeth whitening procedure to the individual conditions of each patient. Even the way you smile or bite your lip is a factor to consider to find the most appropriate method
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Yellow Blemishes
Step 1. Keep your teeth clean
The best way to prevent the appearance of yellowish stains is to take care of your oral health. Consult the best dental care with your dentist; make sure you also know the correct way to brush your teeth and/or floss them.
- Brushing your teeth is the easiest and most important thing you can do to take care of your teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Also make sure you change your toothbrush at least every two months.
- Flossing is another method that works very effectively to maintain oral health and prevent the formation of yellowish plaque. Do this method every day and pay special attention to the area between the teeth. Remember, always brush your teeth with gentle movements so you don't hurt your gums!
Step 2. Avoid certain foods
Several types of food and drink have been proven to affect the color of your teeth, you know! To whiten your teeth, try limiting your intake of coffee, dark soda, and red wine. If possible, don't eat potatoes either, as their starchy content can increase the acid levels in your mouth and damage the outer layer of your teeth.
If possible, always use a straw when drinking coffee or other dark colored drinks to minimize the interaction between the drink's color pigments and the outer layer of your teeth
Step 3. Be aware of the drugs you take
If the color of your teeth is getting yellower, ask your doctor if the problem is actually caused by the drugs you are taking. Some antibiotics are known to cause tooth discoloration; in addition, antihistamines (allergy drugs) and some blood pressure control drugs can also have a similar effect.
Step 4. Quit smoking
Remember, tobacco consumption can leave stains on your teeth! In fact, there are many reasons that should be able to convince you to stop smoking, one of which is its effect on oral health. If you like smoking, try to consult the most appropriate method to quit smoking to your doctor.
Step 5. Use teeth whitening products regularly
In addition to applying toothpaste that contains whitening, also use various supporting products such as teeth whitening strips and mouthwash to prevent yellowish stains from forming again. Consult the most suitable product with your dentist; After finding the right product, use it regularly to maximize its benefits.
Tips
- Feel free to try several different methods before deciding which one works best for you.
- Ask your pharmacist or dentist for recommendations on the best method.