(NaturalHealth365)  There is just something about a white smile that gets you noticed.  It makes you feel good about yourself, more confident, and more attractive.  While numerous professional teeth whitening products and services exist, many people are turning to natural teeth whitening remedies.

Be careful, some teeth whitening methods may do more harm than good

According to experts, teeth whitening is, for the most part, safe.  However, some at-home products for whitening teeth can cause damage, such as softening the surface of the tooth, making the surface rough, damaging dental restorations, and increasing the potential for demineralization.  It can also make the teeth sensitive.

Furthermore, peroxide, an active ingredient in many home and office whitening treatments, can damage teeth if used excessively.  It can actually make them darker.  It is a bleaching agent, and if left on the teeth and gums for longer than recommended, it can cause irritation and burns on the gums as well as tooth sensitivity.

How to get whiter teeth naturally?

There are things that you can do to get whiter, brighter teeth without using harsh or abrasive substances that might damage your teeth.  It starts with some lifestyle changes.

Limit drinks and food that can stain teeth

Coffee, tea, turmeric, red wine, tomato sauces, and spices with strong colors can cause stains, so you may want to limit your intake of them.  If you can’t bear to put down that coffee cup or stop drinking tea, minimize the discoloring impact of those drinks by using a straw.

Put down the cigarettes and walk away

Quitting smoking benefits your entire body, making you feel better and improving your overall health.  But kicking your smoking habit can help you have whiter teeth.  The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can stain teeth, making them dark or yellowish and dingy.

Give oil pulling a try

Although evidence is somewhat inconclusive on whether this practice offers the purported benefits, many people swear by oil pulling and say it works for several things, including teeth whitening.

Brush correctly and regularly

Brushing your teeth is important, and it should be done twice a day for around two minutes each time.  You may also want to brush after meals, but don’t overdo it.  Overbrushing will wear away the tooth’s enamel, making your teeth yellow because the yellow dentin is exposed.

What natural teeth whitening treatments should be avoided?

A couple of natural treatments for whitening teeth should be avoided.  Often they can cause damage or even be unsafe.

Stay away from activated charcoal for teeth whitening

Active charcoal can trap chemicals due to its porous nature.  While it removes the stains on teeth, it can also remove the enamel when used for long periods.

Strawberries and lemon for teeth whitening are a no-go

Like activated charcoal, strawberries and lemon for teeth whitening can strip away the enamel, leaving the yellow dentin behind and potentially making your teeth more sensitive.

Leave the baking soda on the shelf

Baking soda has long been used to clean everything from countertops to teeth, but experts warn that using it as a teeth whitening agent can cause serious problems.  Baking soda is very abrasive and can destroy the tooth’s enamel.

If you want to whiten your teeth naturally, start with good oral health by being good to your body.  Make the necessary lifestyle changes, eat a healthy, natural, balanced diet, and stay hydrated.  This will not only help you have healthy, white teeth but a healthy body as well.

Sources for this article include:

LiveScience.com
LiveScience.com