If there’s one thing everyone knows about my grandma, it’s her big, happy smile. At 80 years old, she has the type of teeth that many people try hard to get at the dentist or with costly home kits. But what is the key to her success? It seems that my grandma strongly believes in a simple teeth-whitening method that requires very little effort. What’s the best thing? You probably already have everything you need at home.
In this article, I will share my grandmother’s favorite way to keep her teeth very white, explain how it works, and give some tips on how to make the most of this easy and effective routine.
The Special Element: Baking Soda
My grandmother’s tip for whitening teeth is based on using baking soda. You may know that baking soda is good for cleaning and removing odors, but it’s also a great natural way to make teeth whiter. Nana found out about this tip many years ago, way before there were many teeth-whitening products available, and she has been using it ever since.
Why use baking soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a slightly rough material. This toothpaste is great for removing stains on your teeth caused by coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can help remove particles from the enamel without harming the teeth.
Additionally, baking soda is a base that can help regulate the acidity in your mouth by balancing its pH level. This feature helps to shield tooth enamel from damage caused by acidic foods and beverages. Moreover, baking soda has antibacterial properties that can decrease the bacteria in your mouth, improving your oral health.
How to Whiten Your Teeth with Baking Soda
Using baking soda to whiten teeth is very easy and doesn’t require much extra effort. Here’s how you can include my grandma’s technique in your daily schedule:
Make a paste with baking soda by mixing a little baking soda with water until it becomes thick. You can use around half a teaspoon of baking soda and add a little water until it becomes a paste.
Clean your teeth: Once you have the toothpaste ready, put it on your toothbrush. Clean your teeth like you usually do, moving the brush in circles gently. It’s important not to brush too hard because using too much baking soda can damage the enamel if done too often.
Rinse well: After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to get rid of any leftover baking soda.
Do it often, but not too much: To get the best results, my grandmother recommends doing this a couple of times a week. It’s important not to scrub too hard because it can damage the enamel in the long run. A helpful tip is to use baking soda two or three times per week.
Why This Trick is Effective
My grandma’s method works well because it gets rid of stains on the surface without using strong chemicals. Some teeth-whitening products sold in stores have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which may lead to tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Baking soda is a natural and gentle option that slowly whitens teeth without causing any pain.
Here is why this technique has lasted for a long time:
Affordable: Baking soda is cheap and easy to find, making it a wallet-friendly choice for those wanting to whiten their teeth without spending a lot of money.
Minimal Effort: You don’t have to make time for this technique; just switch your usual toothpaste with a baking soda paste a couple of times a week.
Natural and gentle: This method doesn’t contain strong chemicals, so it’s safe for your teeth and gums, lowering the chance of sensitivity and irritation.
Baking soda not only whitens teeth but also helps keep your mouth healthy by fighting bacteria and balancing acids that can cause cavities.
Advice for Getting the Best Results
My grandma’s baking soda trick is a great and easy way to whiten your teeth. Here are some extra tips to improve your results:
Keep up with your regular oral care routine by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing often. Baking soda can be used in addition to, not instead of, your regular dental care routine.
Stay away from foods and drinks that can cause stains. Reducing how much coffee, tea, red wine, and sugary drinks you consume can help keep your teeth looking good and stop new stains from appearing.
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water during the day. This can help remove food and bacteria from your mouth, keeping it clean and reducing the chance of stains.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to protect your enamel from damage when brushing with baking soda.
Be patient: While some whitening treatments give quick results, baking soda works more slowly. With time, you will begin to see a clear change in how bright your smile is.
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