Home Remedies for Tooth Discolouration - does it work?

The home remedies in the test

In this section, we introduce you to home remedies that are used over and over again in the hope of removing discolouration and getting whiter teeth. Read on to find out which remedies put your mouth at risk and which products you can use to get bright white teeth.

Natron

Baking soda is a powder that you can get cheaply at the supermarket. It is known to whiten discoloured teeth and make teeth whiter. All you have to do is put some baking soda powder on a toothbrush and clean your teeth with it. But how effective is the whitening agent?

We advise you not to use bicarbonate of soda as a whitening agent. This is because the sodium hydrogen carbonate it contains attacks the tooth enamel and the protective layer is ground away when you brush your teeth.

As the powder abrades the surface of the teeth, the surface is more susceptible to deposits and discolouration. This makes the teeth more susceptible to caries, because bacteria can then deposit on the tooth surface more easily.

Sage

If you use fresh sage, it is suitable as a home remedy against tooth discolouration. Because of their rough surface, the leaves enable effective cleaning of the teeth.

Sage contains compounds that are thought to help break down the organic material of surface discolouration on teeth, resulting in brighter, shinier teeth. In addition, sage is a natural astringent and can act as an antiseptic, reducing bacteria and bad breath in the mouth.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is one of the most popular remedies for whitening the colour of teeth at home. Its acidity can help break down surface discolouration, resulting in brighter teeth. However, care should be taken when using lemon juice as a whitening agent. It is acidic and can attack tooth enamel if used too often or in too high concentrations. Also, because of its acidity, lemon juice can weaken the compound that holds the protective layers of the teeth together, making them more susceptible to decay and other dental problems.

Oil

Oil is a teeth whitening agent that you see all the time on Instagram or TikTok. The most commonly used oil is coconut oil, which is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil is considered an effective natural teeth whitener as it can help remove surface stains from teeth. In addition, coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has been shown to reduce plaque and bacterial build-up on teeth, improving oral health. For best results, coconut oil pulling is recommended, which means swishing the coconut oil back and forth between your teeth for 10-20 minutes and then brushing your teeth with a fluoridetoothpaste. However, you should be aware that while coconut oil can contribute to a brighter smile, it should not be used as an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, and using mouthwash.

Activated carbon

Activated charcoal is made from carbon-rich materials such as wood, coconut shells and coal that are heated to high temperatures to produce a fine powder that can absorb toxins and other substances. Activated charcoal can remove stubborn tooth stains such as coffee and tea stains from teeth with minimal abrasion. However, it should be noted that activated charcoal should not be used too regularly due to the abrasion. At ALPINE WHITE, we also offer you the black powder. Buy it today and try it out for yourself!

Strawberries

Strawberries are becoming an increasingly popular home remedy for yellow teeth. Strawberries can help remove surface discolouration from teeth by breaking down the organic material of the discolouration. The natural acids in strawberries can help loosen and break these bonds, resulting in whiter teeth. In addition, strawberries contain malic acid, which is known to be astringent and antiseptic. This can help kill bacteria and bad breath that often contribute to discoloured teeth. It is important to note that while strawberries do have some whitening effect, they are not able to penetrate deeper discolouration beneath the enamel or whiten your smile completely. Also, the acidity in strawberries is harmful to your teeth, which can attack the enamel.

Banana peels

Banana peels have natural compounds such as potassium, magnesium and manganese in them that can help break down the organic material from surface discolouration on the teeth, resulting in brighter teeth. As with other home remedies, caution is advised when using banana peels to whiten teeth. Excessive contact with the acids contained in banana peels can weaken tooth enamel and lead to cavities or other dental problems.

The best way to use banana peels as a natural remedy is to rub the inside of the peel over your teeth for about two minutes every day. You can also mash the flesh of a ripe banana and brush your teeth with it. This helps to remove stains while providing important minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which together nourish the teeth and protect them from further damage.

Baking powder

The use of baking soda as a home remedy is not recommended. While baking soda can temporarily lead to visibly whiter teeth, it is also very damaging to tooth enamel.

This is because baking soda has an abrasive effect and can wear away the enamel. The enamel is the outermost protective layer of the teeth and protects them from pain and sensitivity. When enamel is damaged, teeth can become more susceptible to pain from hot or cold food and drinks.

Turmeric

Turmeric, a medicinal plant from India, is known for its yellowish colour and is added to curry dishes, for example. Surprisingly, turmeric can also be used for natural tooth whitening.
Since turmeric stains strongly, it is advisable to use two different toothbrushes - one for the turmeric treatment and one for normal tooth brushing. It is also advisable to be careful with clothes when handling turmeric, as stains can be difficult to remove.

In addition to whitening teeth, turmeric also helps to promote healthy oral hygiene in general:

It has a decongestant effect and supports healthy oral flora.

Turmeric has antibacterial properties and neutralises germs.

The root has anti-inflammatory effects and improves blood circulation to the gums.

Alternative Home Remedies:

In addition to the mentioned remedies, there are a few other home remedies that people try for tooth discolouration. However, it's important to approach them with caution and consider their effectiveness and safety.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Some people believe that apple cider vinegar, which contains acetic acid, can help remove stains from teeth. However, its high acidity can potentially damage tooth enamel if used excessively or in high concentrations.
2. Pineapples: Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which is thought to have teeth whitening properties. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, and excessive consumption of acidic fruits can erode tooth enamel.
3. Chewing Tobacco: Chewing tobacco is sometimes suggested as a natural teeth whitener due to its abrasive nature. However, it's important to note that tobacco products are extremely harmful to oral health and can lead to various oral diseases.

Conclusion on home remedies

Even if home remedies are inexpensive, we recommend using tested products and services, which are usually healthier and more effective. Likewise, avoiding conscience foods and stimulants can help minimise tooth discolouration. It is also important to know that the ageing process causes our teeth, the dentin, to become darker and this is a natural change in the teeth.

The tooth-friendly alternative with ALPINE WHITE

At ALPINE WHITE, you can whiten your teeth without worry and achieve a radiant smile. Use our whitening products for daily use to counteract the discolouration of your teeth. For example, you can easily incorporate our toothpastes into your daily routine and achieve a whitening effect every time you brush your teeth.

In addition, we offer professional teeth cleaning in our studio to remove plaque and gently whiten yellowish teeth. But if you have severely discoloured teeth, come in for a bleaching session.

Professional teeth cleaning

In dental hygiene you can say goodbye to tartar and plaque. Thanks to the AIRFLOW method, your interdental spaces and tooth surfaces are gently cleaned. Our dental experts can optimally examine your oral hygiene and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

ALPINE WHITE In-Office Bleaching

Our ALPINE WHITE In-Office Bleaching is based on a tooth-friendly bleaching gel, which is based on the ingredient PAP. PAP is a gentle alternative to hydrogen peroxide and removes external tooth discolouration painlessly. This makes in-office bleaching healthier and less painful for your teeth compared to power bleaching in the dentist's office.