Do home remedies work on teeth staining?

Ans. Beautiful and bright smile are more appealing and more attractive.  It boosts your confidence. In cosmetic dentistry, smile designing and teeth whitening are two of the popular treatments. Teeth whitening procedure is done in dental clinic as well as at home whitening kit are also available in the market.

There are intrinsic and extrinsic stains found in the tooth surface. Extrinsic stain can be removed by home remedies. There are some home remedies available, but it is necessary to know the right amount and method most be used. Because wrong method and product may lead to damage of enamel, erosion, sensitivity, gum irritation etc.

Few home remedies that are known to be effective in some cases:

• Baking soda: it is an abrasive, and can remove the surface stain by rubbing. Brushing with a mixture of baking soda and water in every few day is effective way to prevent superficial stains.
• Hydrogen peroxide: rinse the mouth with the solution of hydrogen peroxide in every few days may be effective sometimes.
• Coconut oil pulling: it may help in removing plaque and bacteria from the mouth, which can lead to teeth whitening.
• Lemon and baking soda: Be careful when using this mix because lemon juice is very corrosive, may damage the teeth.
• Apple cedar vinegar: Use the small amount of it, because ACV is acidic in nature and if left for long times it might cause damage to the teeth.
• Fruit peel: some people believe that gently rub the peel on the tooth surface for 2 minutes may help.
• Activated charcoal: It is a good absorbent and you will see it advertised in many toothpastes; it can remove stain and bacteria from the mouth. Do not scrub too hard and don’t use the charcoal daily.
• Whitening toothpaste: These contain low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda.

Whitening strips: It could be safe and good option provided you follow the instructions on the package to the letter.