Our mouth is the most defining feature of our face. However, it has functionality beyond the physical and aesthetic presence. Our lips and teeth together help us in eating food. Tongue produces saliva for flushing the food particles and bacteria out of the mouth. Because of their functionality, they also happen to be one of the most exploited parts of our body.Right from smoking to using cosmetic products can cause a lot of damage to our lips. Chewing tobacco, candies, processed sugar and poor hygiene can lead to discoloration of teeth and lips. In this write up we will discuss various home remedies that are effective and safe for retaining the color of teeth and lips.
Best Home Remedies To Retain Teeth And Lip Color
Lemon
Lemon is a natural bleach and therefore has many brightening properties. It is also a rich source of vitamin C which is required for an overall health of gums and teeth. You can add a few drops of lemon juice in your regular toothpaste, tooth powder or mouthwash. Use it in this manner every alternate day for a week and stop.
Restart this treatment after a gap of week and do not continue it for more than a month. The reason being that lemon juice is acidic in nature and prolonged use can erode the enamel of the teeth. Also, if you have sensitivity then application of lemon juice may cause discomfort. Applying lemon juice on lips can also help in restoring the original color of lips, however it is important that you use it with a moisturizing agent like honey, glycerin or coconut oil.
Baking Soda
If till date you have used the baking soda in your cabinet only for baking then this segment will change your mind completely about this simple ingredient. If you have been suffering from discoloration or yellow tinge on your teeth then it is time to reach out for the baking soda pack. Baking soda is a deep cleansing agent and is a base ingredient in many teeth whitening toothpaste as well. You can take some of the soda and sprinkle it over your brush and rub it on your teeth. If you have sensitive gums then it is recommended that you use baking soda with your toothpaste so that your gums do not suffer from tiny cuts.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a moisturizing and antiseptic herb. Aloe Vera’s juice has many medicinal and skin moisturizing properties. You can extract this juice and store it in fridge for about 2-3 days. Apply Aloe Vera juice or gel to your lips 5-6 times in a day especially in the night. It will leave the lips supple and well moisturized. Smoking and alcohol have an effect of drying and discoloring the lips which gives them a chapped look. Aloe Vera repairs the skin while hydrating them. You can also use Aloe Vera for clean mouth and teeth. Add Aloe Vera juice in half a glass of water and swish this solution around your mouth after brushing.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E. This vitamin boosts the production of new skin tissues that replace the layer of dead skin that usually covers the uppermost layer of visible skin. Discoloration of lips takes place due to dead and burnt skin in the outermost layer of skin that covers our mouth. Applying almond oil will not only repair but also keep your lips well moisturized. Massaging your gums with almond oil can also help in tightening them, thus having a positive effects on the teeth. However, almond oil will not brighten your teeth in any way, it will only ensure healthy gums underneath them.
Strawberries
Many studies have found strawberries to be very effective for teeth and lip color. Crush some fully ripe strawberries and add a spoon of honey and soda in them. Massage your gums with this mixture everyday before brushing your teeth. You will notice the change in the color of your teeth gradually. Applying strawberry mixed with honey is a great remedy for lips also. It not only exfoliates the lips but also moisturizes them. This procedure clears the dead skin cells and rejuvenates the lip skin.
Vinegar
Vinegar has cleaning properties and can help in restoring the color of your teeth. Apple cider vinegar is best used for the remedy. Try to obtain undiluted and unprocessed pure vinegar. Add half a bowl of vinegar in a glass of water, swish it in your mouth after brushing with your regular toothpaste. You can also soak the vinegar on your finger tips and massage your teeth with it. However, like lemon vinegar must not be used regularly over a long period of time as it can eat away the enamel of the teeth over a period of time.
Beet Root
Beet root has a very high iron as well as water content. It has minimal natural sugar and therefore makes it a great cleanser for the teeth and the maroon color makes for a beautiful rich lip color. As mentioned earlier, cosmetics like lipsticks can damage the lips over a period of time and sometimes also cause allergies. Rubbing a slice of beetroot on your lips will give them a natural maroon tinge which also lasts for a few hours ones dry. Eating beetroot with your meals and after it, clears away the small food particles that might be stuck between the teeth. It also washes these particles away.
If you are suffering from discolored lips and teeth, the above mentioned home remedies can provide a lot of help but no matter how many home or commercial remedies you use, they would not help unless you make some changes in your habits and routines around dental care. The first step of course is to make lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and tobacco chewing. Avoid sugar and candies. Ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice in a day. Processed foods and non-vegetarian food items also increase the risk of tooth decay. Always end your meals with salad that is high on water content.
