Having yellow and overly sensitive teeth was definitely dominant in the middle ages, but oddly enough people still suffer from it to this day. The reasons behind the contemporary problem aren’t lack of hygiene or poverty, but improper education on oral health.
The main cause for not having white and strong teeth lies in enamel damage. Enamel is a protective teeth layer which can get worn off. Whether due to intense and aggressive brushing or consumption of acidic foods, enamel gets damaged and reveals the tooth’s next layer – dentin.
Dentin has a yellowish brown color and is much more sensitive than enamel. In fact, many problems with tooth sensitivity and ache are due to an overly exposed dentin layer. Luckily, these problems are easily solved at the dental clinic.
If you want to prevent this from ever happening or improve your current situation, here is what you should do:
- Improve Nutrition
We truly are what we eat. The type of nutrients we consume in our daily lives will determine our health for many years to come. Having a good diet isn’t that easy since each organism is different and requires personalized nutritional diets. However, there are a couple of rules that apply for everyone, especially when it comes to teeth:
- Coffee, tea, wine and dark sodas stain our teeth because they contain higher tannin levels
- Acidic foods like lemon and citrus wear off our enamel (the teeth’s protective layer), increasing chances for tooth sensitivity and staining
- Strawberries, yoghurt, nuts, pineapple, onion and celery whiten our teeth
- Use Home Remedies
Having regular and professional dental cleaning procedures is highly recommended, but did you know that you can do the same thing at home? Of course, for getting the best results, you shouldn’t stop going to the dental clinic altogether, but combine both home remedies and professional care.
There are two, very effective and popular methods which can whiten and strengthen your teeth in no time. The first method is very simple. You should gently brush your teeth with baking soda once a week! Make sure to spit the solution because it doesn’t do much good for your stomach. The second method you can try includes mixing hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and brushing for two minutes. This one is not recommended for long term usage and for patients with sensitive gums!
- Proper Oral Hygiene
The only factor which is more important than proper nutrition is proper oral hygiene. Of course, you will have yellow teeth if you smoke 20 cigars a day and only brush in the mornings. Regular cleaning significantly reduces chances for gum decay, stains and enamel damage.
When you brush your teeth, make sure to use a soft and gentle brush. Thick and hard brushes damage the enamel, increasing tooth sensitivity. You should also make sure to catch every corner and floss if needed.
When it comes to the toothpaste, dentists recommend fluoride toothpastes which prevents decay and is much safer for your teeth. Consult with your dentist to find out the most suitable option for you.
- Oil Pulling
Another effective DIY method for improving the condition of your teeth is oil pulling. This is a traditional Indian method for oral detox. It is basically a process in which you use oil to remove bacteria and dirt. Remember not to entirely switch from regular brushing to oil pulling, but occasionally use it to refresh.
Oils which are suitable for this process are those from coconut, sunflower and sesame. Rinse your mouth with the chosen oil a minute after brushing and spit it out afterwards. If you find it suitable, daily usage isn’t harmful since the main ingredient is acid-free (unlike hydrogen peroxide).
