Oral Hygiene: 5 ways to naturally brighten your teeth at home  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images
- Oral hygiene is very important for overall health
- Poor oral hygiene has been linked with the risk of heart problems, and even COVID-19
- Here are some natural ways and home remedies to improve oral hygiene, and reduce plaque in your teeth
New Delhi: Our teeth, gums and tongue, which make up the oral set-up of our body are of utmost importance. Apart from helping in ingestion of food, the oral cavity also acts as an entry to various other things into the body, even germs. Most of these germs can be prevented from entering the body and causing infection if they are removed from the mouth in time. Oral health and hygiene are also linked with heart health, and some experts say could also play a role in COVID-19 prevention.
One of the many ways to keep the teeth healthy is to keep plaque at bay. Plaque is a yellow film-like substance that coats the teeth and makes them appear yellow. Plaque can be harmful to overall oral hygiene. Here are some natural ways to get rid of plaque, and brighten your teeth at home.
5 natural ways to brighten your teeth at home
- Use a straw for tea and coffee – Tea and coffee make up for one of the most important beverages a lot of us commonly consume. However, regular consumption of tea or coffee can lead to a brown tinge on your teeth, making them look dirty and unappealing. One way to avoid this is to restrict your coffee and tea intake, as too much of those beverages are also not healthy. At the same time, you can use a straw to consume these beverages, so as to minimise the contact of the liquid with your teeth. Remember to use metal straws, as they are more environment-friendly as well.
- Oil pulling – A very age-old technique that has been gaining popularity recently is that of oil pulling. The practice requires you to take a spoonful of edible oil such as coconut oil, and swing it around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. This helps to collect all impurities and germs from your mouth, and then you can spit the oil out and rinse your mouth with normal water. A lot of people swear by the technique as a great oral hygiene trick, that also helps to reduce bad breath, and whitens your teeth.
- Baking soda – One of the quickest home remedies for whiter teeth is the use of baking soda. Take a pinch or so of baking soda, and using a regular toothbrush, brush your teeth with the powder. Baking soda has bleaching properties and can help in reducing the appearance of the yellow-brown tinge on your teeth. This is great if you want an instant whiteness to the teeth before an event.
- Fix your diet – Your overall health depends on your diet. From your hair to your skin, to your teeth – everything is affected by the food you eat. If you have brittle, yellow, or just unhealthy teeth and gums, it is recommended that you fix your diet and include foods that are rich in calcium into your meals. This will help in naturally improving your overall oral health, and also brighten your teeth. Reducing sugar intake can also help in reducing oral problems.
- Brush and floss regularly – If you follow the general rules of oral hygiene regularly, chances are you will not develop plaque or yellow teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss regularly to ensure your mouth is clean of impurities, and germs.
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Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.
