While sunlight can have several beneficial effects, including hair lightening and tanning, it does not affect the color of your teeth. Even if you’ve undergone professional or DIY teeth whitening and you’re wondering if the sun can bleach your teeth, the answer is still a resounding no.
UV rays that are utilized in professional teeth whitening services must be concentrated on your teeth after a peroxide gel is applied to them. Because the sun’s UV rays are so broad, it would take hundreds of hours of sun exposure in addition to a whitening solution to see desired results.
Natural Teeth Whitening Solutions
There are several natural teeth whitening solutions you can try at home. While these remedies may not be as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments, they can help to some extent. Here are a few options:
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- Baking Soda: Baking soda is a common ingredient in many toothpaste brands due to its mild abrasive properties. You can create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water and apply it to your teeth using a toothbrush. Gently brush for a couple of minutes and rinse thoroughly.
- Coconut Oil Pulling: Oil pulling involves swishing oil around in your mouth to remove bacteria and plaque. Coconut oil is a popular choice for oil pulling. Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes, then spit it out and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has natural bleaching properties. However, it is important to use it sparingly as it is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel. Dilute a small amount of apple cider vinegar with water and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid prolonged exposure to vinegar.
- Strawberries: Strawberries contain malic acid, which may help remove surface stains from teeth. Mash a ripe strawberry into a paste and apply it to your teeth. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Brush your teeth afterward to remove any remaining residue.
It’s important to note that while these natural remedies may help with mild teeth staining, they may not provide dramatic whitening results. Additionally, excessive use or misuse of these remedies can potentially harm your tooth enamel.
If you’re looking for more significant and long-lasting results, it’s best to consult a dentist and consider professional teeth whitening treatments.
Professional Teeth Whitening Services By Cornerstone Dental
In addition to the natural solutions above, there are also store-bought methods for teeth whitening as well. The problem with utilizing these natural or at-home solutions is that you could end up with white spots or uneven results. At Cornerstone Dental of Lincoln Square, our team of professionals will ensure that when you receive our teeth whitening services we achieve the even and beautiful results you desire. Contact our office to schedule your consultation now.
