What Can I Do at Home to Polish My Teeth?

Though human teeth appear solid and impenetrable, health, illness, products chewed or otherwise and age all affect the appearance of the teeth. Brushing is important, but brushing alone often doesn't get rid of stains and discoloration. Whiteners and polishers can help return teeth to their original white. While these can be purchased, products you probably already have can be used to polish your teeth.

Baking Soda

• Healthy teeth start with regular dental visits to ensure your teeth are free of cavities and disease. To keep them healthy, start the polishing process by thoroughly brushing your teeth front and back, up and down. Once your teeth are clean, use products to polish your teeth to remove any discoloring. Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda is a natural white alkaline powder that neutralizes acid. It also sweetens your breath. Baking soda can be used not only with your toothbrush to brush your teeth but also to polish them.

Salt

• Salt, like sandpaper, works to smooth the surfaces on which it is used. Salt as a mouth wash decreases bacterial count and cuts acid, which helps keep stains from forming. Adding salt to a mixture of baking soda provides a two-pronged attack. Using salt on your toothbrush will remove surface stains and discolorations. Baking soda then completes the process of cleaning, removing stains and shining the surface.

Hydrogen Peroxide

• Peroxide is often an ingredient in commercial tooth whitening and polishing products. You can polish your teeth yourself by using hydrogen peroxide. The high concentration solutions used in dental offices can cause discoloration if used in large doses. The 3 percent or less solution you purchase over the counter do not pose the same problems. Polishing starts with clean toothbrushes you disinfect by pouring hydrogen peroxide over them. Brush thoroughly. Hydrogen peroxide foams, so don't over use it and don't swallow the solution. Hydrogen peroxide is an acid with oxidizing and bleaching properties. The effect of using hydrogen peroxide compounds when used in a solution with baking soda and salt. As with the regular use of any whitening or bleaching solution or compound, your teeth and gums may become sensitive or irritated.

Fruit

• Lemons whiten and brighten. Add a few drops of lemon squeezed from a fresh lemon into baking soda powder and use on your toothbrush to freshen your breath as well as to brighten, whiten and polish your teeth. "Beauty & Makeup Tips" reports, "Dried orange peel's powder can be rubbed on the teeth. It is a rich source of calcium and vitamin C, which keeps the teeth healthy, strong and improves the color." Rub the inside white part of an orange peel on your teeth for polish and shine. Fruit are natural and environmentally friendly ways to polish the appearance of your teeth.