Thanks to the COVID-19 virus, many people are stuck in their homes with a lot of free time on their hands. If you are one of these people, you may be using the time you have to improve your appearance. You may be moisturizing your skin with at-home face masks or reducing blemishes with a facial scrub. If you are looking to whiten your teeth, there are many items that you likely already have lying around your home that can be used. Here are a few different ways to whiten your teeth with items commonly found in the house.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to lift minor stains or whiten your teeth. There are a few ways that you can use hydrogen peroxide to brighten and whiten your smile. You can mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide and swish the solution around in your mouth for a minute or you can mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a paste that you can brush on your teeth. Hydrogen peroxide should only be used daily for two- to four-week intervals, as it can damage your enamel if you overuse it.
Swish With Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be an effective way to kill bacteria in your mouth and whiten your teeth. This can help to kill bacteria that cause bad breath and lead to cavities, all while removing buildup and stains that may make your teeth look yellow. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar with water and swish it around in your mouth for one minute. This should be done every few days, as the acidity in apple cider vinegar can break down the enamel on your teeth.
Eat Your Fruits or Place Them on Your Teeth
There are many fruits that can naturally exfoliate or brush your teeth, helping to remove stains and whiten them. Fruits such as strawberries, papayas, and pineapple can all have a whitening impact on your teeth. Regularly eat the fruits whole or mash the fruits up a little bit and mix with baking soda to create a paste that you can apply on your teeth. Leave the paste on for 10 to 15 minutes before brushing it away.
Home whitening treatments may be able to lighten your teeth just a few shades. However, if your teeth are severely stained or you are looking to drastically whiten your teeth, home whitening may not be the best course of treatment for you. A cosmetic dentist can use gels that are only available to professionals to lift tough stains or whiten your teeth multiple shades in as little as an hour. Contact a cosmetic dentist today to schedule an appointment to have your professionally whitened.