Brushing your teeth is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene, but it won't necessarily whiten your teeth. The best way to whiten your teeth depends on a variety of factors, such as your budget, goals, and personal preferences. Keeping your tooth enamel strong will help keep your teeth looking as white as possible. While there is no scientific evidence that brushing your teeth with baking soda will whiten them, studies have shown that toothpaste containing baking soda can improve dental health and may have a whitening effect.
One study found that toothpaste with a higher amount of hydrogen peroxide was more effective at whitening teeth after 12 weeks than toothpaste with a lower amount (1). To avoid staining your teeth, try drinking beverages that are known to stain with a straw. Whitening dental floss can make teeth look whiter by better removing particles between them. When you don't brush or floss enough to get rid of bacteria and plaque, pockets can form between your gums and teeth. Flossing can help your teeth appear whiter by eliminating food and bacteria, but you can also buy whitening floss at the store.
There are several methods that can be effective for whitening teeth, such as oil pulling, using baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, following a healthy diet, and limiting the consumption of foods or beverages that stain your teeth. Waterpik says their product removes 25 percent more stains than brushing alone, which makes sense since it's essentially an electric hose for your teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth include brushing too hard, not brushing enough, brushing immediately after eating, and keeping the toothbrush for too long without replacing it (30). While strawberries can help exfoliate your teeth and make them appear whiter, they're unlikely to penetrate tooth stains. Turmeric is an all-natural product, making it a desirable alternative to less natural over-the-counter tooth whiteners.
