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What Whitens Teeth?

Brush, slurp, gargle, spit, repeat. These are the basic steps many people take 2 to 3 times a day to whiten their teeth and keep their mouth clean, but it doesn't always work. If this is you, there are a number of things you can do in addition to brushing, flossing and using mouthwash to help whiten your teeth. These range from fruit and veggies, to gum to other household items. Find the ones that work for you, ditch the others and always keep the overall health of your teeth in mind.

  1. Fruits and Vegetables

    • Many fruits and vegetables contain an acid that helps remove stains from you teeth. For example, strawberries contain malic acid, which naturally removes surface discoloration. Other fruits and veggies include apples, celery and carrots. Be careful because too much acid on the teeth can begin to remove enamel. The thinner the enamel, the more of the inner tooth you can see. This inner tooth can look either yellowish or grayish.

    Hydrogen Peroxide

    • Although considered a bleacher because it can make your teeth appear whiter than their natural color, hydrogen peroxide gets the job done when you want to whiten. And -- if done correctly -- it's safe. Rinse your mouth with a 3 to 5 percent blend (you can thin a 10 percent blend down by adding water) once or twice a day after brushing your teeth. Stop using if your teeth become sensitive to touch. Never swallow it.

    Baking Soda

    • Baking soda has been used for whitening teeth for a while. In fact, you'll notice that the box you buy it in recommends you brush with it and you'll find the ingredient in most toothpastes. You can use it by lightly dipping your wet brush in it or sprinkling a bit on the top. Don't use too much. It should cover the brush, but not enough that you can't see the bristles. Perform about once a week, or as needed, but be careful; baking soda is abrasive and can remove enamel if used too often.

    Water and Gum

    • Jeff Golub-Evans, a cosmetic dentist in New York, recommends rinsing with water after eating. This helps remove new stains and food particles that could create stains. Additionally, sugar free gum can help remove new stains. Using both of these methods after eating is a safe way to attack stains before they even start, keeping your teeth white and saving you future hard work.

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