Whiten Teeth Naturally

Get gleaming teeth naturally: you can whiten your teeth without harsh bleaches. Here's how

Historically speaking, there has been an ongoing interest in seeking solutions for whitening teeth. In ancient times the Romans used Portuguese urine in an attempt to whiten their teeth! Wow…my God Urine! I think none of us wanted try it today. There's a more natural way..

There are several reasons why teeth may darken. These include.

• Foods/drinks. Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables (for example, apples and potatoes) can stain your teeth.
• Environment. Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.
• Tobacco use. Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth.
• Poor dental hygiene. Inadequate brushing and flossing to remove plaque and stain-producing substances like coffee and tobacco can cause tooth discoloration.
• Disease. Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration. In addition, treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration. In addition, certain infections in pregnant mothers can cause tooth discoloration in the infant by affecting enamel development.
• Medications. The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (before the age of 8). Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain your teeth. Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications can also cause teeth discoloration.
• Dental materials. Some of the materials used in dentistry, such as amalgam restorations, especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can cast a gray-black color to your teeth.
• Advancing age. As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets worn away revealing the natural yellow color of dentin.
• Genetics. Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.

STRONG TEETH MEAN A BRIGHT SMILE, says Victor Zeines, D.D.S., a teacher at the Institute for Natural Dentistry in Woodstock, N.Y. The higher your teeth's mineral content, he explains, the stronger and more stain-proof they are. To boost your teeth's mineral content, take a multivitamin and drink at least six glasses of mineral water daily. Then follow these tips.

Watch What You Eat and Drink. Most berries, coffee, and tea can leave their mark on your teeth. So limit your intake of these foods and beverages and brush your teeth immediately after eating them. And, of course, don't smoke; not only is tobacco terrible for your health, it will yellow your smile. Also try getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 6 months.

Scrub with Strawberries. One member of the berry family, the strawberry, contains an enzyme that actually whitens your teeth. Mash a large strawberry and then rub it on your teeth with your finger for about a minute. Rinse, and then floss to remove seeds.

Note: If your teeth appear to be an abnormal color without ready explanation, the abnormal tooth color lasts despite following good oral hygiene practices, and if other symptoms are also present, make an appointment to see your dentist.