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How to Whiten Teeth with Tea

Contributor
By Carole Vansickle
eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)
A bright smile is one of the best accessories, and you always have it with you!
A bright smile is one of the best accessories, and you always have it with you!
http://www.confiwhite.com/Pics/SmileOne.JPG, http://keetsa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/green-tea.jpg

Generally, dentists and cosmetic surgeons recommend that you avoid tea, coffee and most colored colas in order to prevent staining on your teeth and prolong the amount of time you can take between bleachings. However, there are actually some types of tea that are good for keeping teeth bright and white. While you still should drink them in moderation, drinking these types of teas and even brushing with them can help whiten your teeth and prevent other stains from setting in.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • White tea
  • Green tea
  • Rose hip tea

    How to Whiten Teeth With Tea

  1. Step 1

    Drink light teas like white or green tea.These teas have fewer tannins than traditional teas, which are the components in tea that are believed to cause staining. Drinking white tea--which has no tannins--and green tea--which has very few--is significantly better for your teeth than drinking regular herbal teas or iced tea.

  2. Step 2
    To increase the amount of tea that you are drinking, you might consider replacing your daily cup of coffee--which will stain your teeth--with a cup of green tea. You can even buy a caffeinated variety if you wish so that you still get your morning boost.
     
    To increase the amount of tea that you are drinking, you might consider replacing your daily cup of coffee--which will stain your teeth--with a cup of green tea. You can even buy a caffeinated variety if you wish so that you still get your morning boost.

    Drink two cups of green tea a day. Green tea is an excellent source of fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and makes your teeth more resistant to staining and cavities. Green tea can even give you naturally sweet breath.

  3. Step 3

    Use toothpaste supplemented by tea tree extracts. Tea tree oil is a natural stain remover that is incorporated into many organic types of toothpaste. You generally will have to order this type of toothpaste online, as it is not available in most chain stores. You may be able to locate it in a health foods store. If you decide to use this type of toothpaste, make sure that you consult your dentist to be certain that you are not placing your teeth at risk for other difficulties by using an all natural compound. You may need to supplement your dental routine with additional toothpaste or actions in order to fully protect your teeth.

  4. Step 4

    Rinse your mouth with rose hip tea. While there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the theory that rose hip tea can help whiten your teeth, many herbalists believe that it reinforces the enamel and keeps breath naturally fresh.

Tips & Warnings
  • You should have your teeth cosmetically whitened as infrequently as is possible and practical, as most whitening procedures remove a thin layer of enamel to reveal a new, whiter layer underneath. This can cause your teeth to become very sensitive over time.
  • Work with your dentist to be sure that your dental habits are such that your teeth-whitening efforts do not damage your teeth or cause you to neglect other important aspects of your dental health.
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