There are many reasons that your teeth may be discolored. However, chemical dental applications are designed to restore the color of your teeth or even whiten them beyond their natural shade. Still, there are also natural tooth whiteners available.

Teeth become discolored when you drink or eat. The foods that you regularly consume often have natural and artificial pigments that may be absorbed by the pores of your tooth enamel. As these things are absorbed, they darken the color of your teeth. Stains are also absorbed when a person chews tobacco or smoke. The discoloration cannot easily be brushed away using conventional toothpaste. Thus, dental staining is rarely seen as a product of poor dental hygiene. Instead, it is often the accumulation of pigments on the teeth. 

There are multiple whitening solutions right in your kitchen cabinets. These substances usually require repeated application over a period before strong whitening results are seen. In addition, they are most applicable for light to moderate discoloration. Here are a few whitening substances that are likely to be in your kitchen cupboard right now:

Turmeric

If you like Indian cuisine, you are probably a fan of turmeric. This bright yellow Indian spice is used to flavor traditional dishes, such as curry. The spice is also used because of its medicinal properties.

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. It is commonly used as a natural toothpaste. The abrasive texture of the yellow powder helps polish dental discoloration away.

Turmeric can be applied to your toothbrush just as conventional toothpaste is. Using turmeric as a tooth whitener is as simple as brushing your teeth.

Olive Oil

The same oil that is used to make your favorite salad dressings can help whiten your teeth. Olive oil helps soothe the gums and is antibacterial. The oil also helps dilute and lift away oil-based stains on the tooth enamel. To use olive oil as a part of your oral health regimen, place about a tablespoon of the oil into your mouth and move it about the oral cavity as you would mouthwash. Leave the oil in place for a few minutes before spitting it out. The longer the oil is in place, the more oral microbes it can absorb and trap. In addition, the more stains it can remove.

Once the oil is released from the mouth, rinse your mouth well with water, and then, brush with your favorite toothpaste.

To learn more ways to transform the color of your teeth, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area such as Ginger Scoggins DDS.