Teeth whitening is commonly sought after not only to remove stains and restore coloration but also to maintain dental hygiene. You can only whiten your natural teeth and not artificial ones, and there are several treatment options that you can look at for safe whitening of your teeth without damaging your gums. Apart from using over-the-counter products and paying for proper dental treatment, there are several home remedies that you can follow for a cost-effective solution.

Treatment options
You can choose among a range of cost-effective and safe treatment options that are available. If you have artificial teeth, you need to be mindful of the risks of some of these treatment options like sensitivity, gum irritation, and color differentiation. Technicolor teeth would be an issue if you replaced some of your natural teeth with an artificial one since these treatment options don’t work. Some of the treatment options available are professional in-office whitening, professional teeth whitening kits, teeth whitening kits, and over-the-counter products and gels.

Professional in-house teeth whitening
Look for a good dental clinic next to your place of work or your house, and you can get your teeth whitened by an expert. The in-house whiteners used are much stronger and require proper handling; otherwise, they will damage your gums and irritate you. They have a higher concentration of peroxide, and you will have to stay in the clinic for an hour. Your gums are also covered with a gel film to protect them from peroxide.

At-home teeth whitening kit
Your dental office can supply you with an at-home teeth whitening kit. From the comforts of your home, you can remove stains and discoloration. There are different types of kits. Mostly they include whitening pens, strips, or gel and will contain a set of wipes, wash, light, and a fresh disposable brush. If you buy an on-the-counter kit, they will give you a one-size-fits-all kit, and it might not work with your teeth alignment. However, if you purchase the kits from your dentist, you can request a customizable tray to fit your upper and lower teeth.

Home remedies – oil pulling
While the American Dental Association (ADA) considers oil pulling an unconventional and ineffective course of treatment for teeth whitening, oil pulling, to an extent, can prevent stains from setting in and, in the long term, can result in whitening. After brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning, rinse your mouth with oil for around a minute or two. Don’t exceed two minutes, then spit it out. Some of the oil suitable for pulling are coconut, sesame, and sunflower. Along with following these remedies, there are certain things you can avoid to prevent stains from occurring. Reduce your consumption of coffee and avoid smoking.

Home remedies – baking soda
Apart from making certain lifestyle changes to maintain your dental hygiene, you can use ingredients in your kitchen cabinet to brighten your teeth. For instance, moderate use of baking soda has effectively reduced mild stains. While excessive use of baking soda can be a harsh substance, you can take a teaspoon of baking soda and carefully mix it with a few drops of water. Take your brush and brush your teeth with the solution and avoid your gums. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water later.

Maintain your oral hygiene
Apart from looking for treatment options and home remedies, you can prevent stains and discoloration. You can use fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth twice a day. You can floss to prevent plaque from settling and damaging the enamel. There are also several natural whitening agents like citrus, activated charcoal, vinegar which come with a set of drawbacks. Having regular dental checkups, especially as you age, can maintain your dental hygiene.