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Posted on 5/17/2016 by Allan Hablutzel |
If you are looking for ways to whiten your teeth, you probably know all about the store bought and dental office options, but have you considered some things that you might have around your house already? Some research has shown that orange peels can actually be helpful in whitening, as the rind contains a natural solvent that can help with stain reduction. How Do Orange Peels Whiten the Teeth?Orange peels contain a natural solvent known as d-limonene, which is also responsible for the citrus flavor you enjoy. Many makeup companies include this in their products, and it can also be put into tooth whiteners and toothpaste.In fact, a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Dentistry indicates that toothpastes that contain d-limonene were effective at reducing nicotine stains from the teeth. Are There Any Drawbacks? There are a few drawbacks to trying to use orange peel to whiten your teeth. Certain stains saw resistance to orange peel, especially stains that resulted from drinking tea or stains that had been on the teeth for a considerable length of time. In addition to having difficulty with stubborn stains, the fact that oranges are highly acidic can also be problematic for the teeth. Acid can cause erosion of the enamel, and when this occurs, you'll be more vulnerable to tooth decay and tooth sensitivity. So, if you do choose to try and whiten your teeth with orange peel, make sure you are rinsing out your mouth with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide in order to reap the benefits without causing damage to your teeth and gums. Ultimately, if orange peel does work for you, you can whiten your stains on your own. However, the time needed to complete this treatment will be much longer than that provided by your dentist. Please contact us if you have any questions about orange peels and your oral health. |