Joy Onuorah

Multiple factors cause teeth to become dull and lose their bright, white sparkle.

Certain foods can stain your enamel, which is the outermost layer of your teeth. Additionally, plaque buildup on your teeth can cause them to look yellow.

This type of discoloration can usually be treated with regular cleaning and whitening remedies. 

However, sometimes teeth look yellow because the hard enamel has eroded, revealing the dentin underneath. Dentin is a naturally yellow, bony tissue that lies underneath the enamel.

Here are 6 simple ways you can naturally whiten your teeth.

Practice oil pulling

Coconut oil pulling involves swishing oil in your mouth for 15–20
minutes to remove bacteria. Practicing this daily can reduce plaque and may
brighten your teeth.

Brush with baking soda

Brushing with a paste made with baking soda and water can reduce
bacteria in your mouth and buff away surface stains.

Use hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent and can kill bacteria
in your mouth. You can use it as a mouthwash or mix it with baking soda to form
a whitening toothpaste.

Eat fruits and vegetables

A diet high in fruits and vegetables may be good for both your body and your teeth.

While they’re no substitute for brushing them, crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables can help rub plaque away as you chew. 

Strawberries and pineapple are two fruits that have been claimed to help whiten your teeth.

Prevent tooth stains before they happen

While your teeth naturally yellow as you age, some things can help prevent stains on your teeth.

Limit staining foods and beverages

Coffee, red wine, soda, and dark berries are infamous for staining teeth.
That doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid them, but you should limit the amount of time these substances are in contact with your teeth.

If possible, drink beverages known to stain teeth out of a straw to prevent direct contact with your teeth.

Moreover, brush your teeth soon after consuming one of these foods or beverages to limit their effects on the color of your teeth.

Additionally, avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, as both can cause tooth discoloration.

Limit your sugar intake

If you want whiter teeth, cut back on your sugar intake.

A diet high in sugar supports the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the primary type of bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis.

When you consume a sugary food, be sure to brush your teeth soon after.

Get plenty of calcium in your diet

Some tooth discoloration is caused by enamel eroding and exposing the dentin underneath, which is yellow. Therefore, anything you do to strengthen the enamel of your teeth will help keep your teeth pearly white.

Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, and broccoli, may help protect your teeth from enamel erosion.

Brush and floss regularly

While some tooth discoloration naturally comes with age, it’s largely a result of plaque buildup.

Regularly brushing and flossing can help your teeth stay white by reducing bacteria in your mouth and preventing plaque buildup.

Toothpaste gently rubs out stains on your teeth, and flossing removes bacteria that lead to plaque.

Regular dental cleanings can also help your teeth stay clean and white.