Maintaining A Bright Smile In Between Bleachings

Everyone wants a bright smile, however, cigarette smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and red wine can quickly stain freshly bleached teeth. While professional teeth whitening procedures can make your teeth shades lighter, consuming highly pigmented drinks and foods may re-stain your teeth quickly. Here are some natural remedies to consider in between your professional teeth whitening appointments.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains powerful antibacterial properties because it contains acetic acid, which kills bacteria. It is an effective oral cleaner and enamel whitener. It has potent bleaching effects on the teeth, and can be used as a mouthwash by diluting it in water.

To make an oral rinse, combine a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a tall glass of water. Swish the solution around your mouth for a couple of minutes or so, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water when you are finished.

While apple cider vinegar has excellent oral antibacterial and bleaching properties, it should only be used a few times per week or as directed by your dentist. Apple cider vinegar can erode your tooth enamel if used everyday. Dental erosion can raise your risk for cavities, so be sure to talk to your dentist about how to properly use apple cider vinegar between professional bleaching sessions.

Strawberry Paste

Another effective tooth whitening remedy to consider is making a paste with mashed strawberries and baking soda. Strawberries contain malic acid, which can help minimize the appearance of dark stains on your dental enamel, while the baking soda helps to gently scrub away the stains.

If you do not want to use the baking soda, simply cut a strawberry in half and rub the inner part of the berry over your teeth for a few seconds. The malic acid and other compounds in the fruit will help eliminate mild stains.

While strawberries and baking soda can help keep your teeth looking bright between professional whitening sessions at your dentist's office, they are ineffective in removing deep stains. The strawberry and baking soda paste may also help reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease because they both have antimicrobial properties. Baking soda is also used in many commercial whitening toothpastes. 

To keep your teeth white in between professional bleaching treatments, consider the above home remedies. To help keep cavities and gingivitis at bay, see your dentist and hygienist on a regular basis for routine checkups and professional teeth cleanings.