Bright and white teeth are often a sign of good health. But some lifestyle choices and food habits stain the teeth and dull its natural shine over time. In some cases, illnesses and health disorders can also cause the teeth to lose their whiteness and brightness. Although many prefer artificial whitening products, a vivid smile without the use of chemicals is possible. However, the natural teeth whitening products one can use depend on the cause of teeth discoloration.

Causes of teeth discoloration in kids
Due to various reasons, a child’s teeth may change color from white to a shade of yellow or creamy ivory. In some instances, the teeth may even become gray or brown. Several factors, including health conditions, can cause teeth discoloration in kids, such as

• Stain formation
  A variety of reasons attribute to can have stain formations on their teeth. Antibiotics are often common causes of stains forming on a child’s teeth. Iron supplements and other medications can also lead to discoloring of teeth. Eating certain foods and bacteria are other reasons that can cause staining.
• Injury or trauma
  In the case of children, a tooth that has been bumped on can change color. If a tooth begins to gray or becomes dark, it is often a sign that the tooth is decaying and has to be removed. Teeth whitening is not going to work here. In the case of an injury, the tooth may be forming for structures and turn yellow.
• Tooth cavity
  Visible as white spots, cavities develop on the surface of teeth and on the gum line. As the cavity becomes severe, the white spots turn yellow, brown, and black over time. Cavities in children require treatment from a pediatric dentist. The use of natural teeth whitening solutions will only prove to be superficial.

Causes of teeth discoloration in adults
In adults, discoloration of teeth can occur due to multiple factors, and some of the most common ones are

• Food and beverages
  Certain foods, especially ones with artificial coloring, can cause the staining of teeth. Drinks like tea, coffee, carbonated beverages, and wines also lead to teeth color becoming darker. A few veggies such as potatoes and apples can also discolor teeth.
• Tobacco consumption
  Chewing tobacco and even smoking cigarettes or cigars are a prevalent cause of teeth discoloration among adults. Not only do the teeth discolor but the gums also decay and erode.
• Bad dental hygiene
  Not brushing or flossing regularly after every meal can damage the natural color of one’s teeth. Additionally, the lack of use of antiseptic mouthwash for the removal of plaque or food particles can also lead to the fading of the teeth whiteness.
• Health disorders
  Some diseases and disorders affect the enamel and dentin of the teeth, leading to the yellowing of teeth. Sometimes, treatments such as chemotherapy can also cause damages to teeth color.
• Medications
  Hypertension medicines, antihistamines, and antipsychotic medications have the known side effect of teeth discoloration. In some cases, antibiotics stain the teeth as well. When used over a long time, rinsing with mouthwash that contains chloride can also discolor teeth.
• Environmental factors
  It is quite common for teeth to lose their natural white color due to several environmental factors. These include the presence of high fluoride levels in drinking water. The high intake of fluoride supplements is also another common cause. Also, the use of high-fluoride toothpastes and rinses can lead to teeth discoloration in adults.
• Dental materials
  Materials that contain silver sulfide, such as amalgam restorations, often lead to the teeth appearing grayish or black. This, however, does differ from person to person.

How to prevent teeth discoloration
The discoloration of teeth cannot be avoided under certain circumstances, such as those caused by medications or an underlying illness. But the teeth can maintain their natural color if a few preventive measures are followed, such as

• Dental care after eating pigmented food
  Eating foods that have pigmented colors, whether natural or artificial, result in stained teeth. If proper dental hygiene is not observed, teeth discoloration is inevitable. Flossing and brushing immediately after foods like beets, colored candies, dark berries, potatoes, and apples can prevent teeth staining. Furthermore, cleaning the teeth after drinking cola, coffee, tea, and red wine can be also helpful. In case brushing or flossing immediately is not possible, swishing the mouth with water can help to remove some of the stain-causing particles.
• Change a few habits
  For those who smoke or consume tobacco, and are concerned about how their teeth look, quitting these habits can go a long way. They can consult their healthcare experts regarding cessation programs. This will not only help in maintaining healthy teeth but also improve overall health. Additionally, cutting back on foods and beverages that cause teeth staining can be useful.
• Follow good oral health practices
  Teeth discoloration can be easily prevented by following good dental hygiene practices. Flossing regularly, rinsing, mouth, and brushing three times a day are recommended. Change toothbrushes every three to four months. Using natural teeth whitening solutions and techniques can also assist in maintaining a healthy look. These techniques also minimize hard-to-remove stains in the areas between the teeth. These areas are difficult to reach through flossing or brushing.

Home-based natural teeth whitening solutions
Although brushing, rinsing, and flossing may help in the prevention of teeth discoloration, these practices may not be enough once the damage is done. For mild teeth stains that have been there for some time, here are a few home-based natural teeth whitening solutions that can be useful:

• Eating strawberries
  Loaded with vitamin C and an enzyme known as malic acid, strawberries have been known to be quite an effective natural teeth whitener. Vitamin C cleans off plaque accumulated on the teeth. Additionally, the astringent property of strawberries washes off stains over the surface of teeth. Just mash a couple of strawberries together. Using a brush, gently apply the mix to the teeth. Slowly chewing whole strawberries can also work.
• Having crunchy veggies and fruits
  Carrots and celery are known to great natural stain removers for teeth. Fruits and veggies that are crunchy work like natural a toothbrush that removes bacteria and excess food while chewing. With the acids present in them, these fruits and veggies remove surface stains from teeth acting as natural teeth whiteners.
• Using lemon and baking soda
  This is quite a popular homemade natural teeth whitening solution. The effervescent reaction of citric acid in lemons with the baking soda thoroughly cleanses the teeth. Either lemon or baking soda can be used. But when used together, both have a power-packed effect on removing stains from teeth. It is recommended to test this solution first before using it. The baking powder can a bit abrasive for some people. Additionally, it must be used only once a week as the baking soda can cause the teeth enamel to wear off. Also, make sure to not leave the mixture on teeth for too long. Or just skip the baking soda altogether.
• Try oil pulling
  A technique used to improve oral health, oil pulling works well if done right. It involves the use of edible and cold-pressed organic oil, such as coconut oil. A small spoonful of oil is swished and swirled around the mouth for about 15 minutes. Make sure to pull the oil through the teeth ensuring thorough cleaning. It takes a bit of practice to pull oil for 15 minutes. Spit it out and rinse properly. This must be followed by drinking a couple of glasses of water.
• Eat some pineapples
  A natural source of an enzyme called bromelain, pineapples have been also known to be effective natural teeth whitening remedies. Eating raw pineapples can remove plaque and stains from the teeth.
• Using apple cider vinegar
  It is a natural cleaning product that contains acetic acid, which is the main ingredient that fights off bacteria and works toward stain removal. Dilute little bit of the vinegar in water and use it as a natural mouthwash. But be cautious as apple cider vinegar can erode teeth enamel. So, use the solution less frequently. Avoid keeping the solution in mouth for too long.

Natural teeth whitening products
These products contain the best natural extracts for teeth whitening:

• hello® naturally whitening fluoride toothpaste
  This natural whitening toothpaste does not contain any synthetic dyes, artificial sweeteners, and artificial flavors. Moreover, it is free from gluten, triclosan, and microbeads. With bare minimum artificial ingredients, this toothpaste from hello® removes surface stains. It is made from aloe vera, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. Using gentle cleaning ingredients, this toothpaste whitens and brightens teeth when daily. Available in a minty fresh flavor, this vegan toothpaste strengthens the tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
• Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste
  A natural teeth whitening product, this toothpaste gently cleanses teeth without any abrasion as well as strengthens the teeth enamel. It has some percentage of fluoride that protects teeth from cavities, keeping them strong and healthy. The mint flavor keeps mouth fresh all day long. Moreover, it is gluten free and Kosher.
• Tom’s of Maine Luminous White® Toothpaste
  Free from artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives, this toothpaste from Tom’s of Maine is perfectly safe for the enamel. It makes the teeth strong and healthy. Also, it removes surface stains to give bright white teeth. It’s made from natural ingredients including xylitol derived from natural corn or birch tree. This heals to fight plague and prevent cavities.
• Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips
  A very popular whitening product for teeth, these strips are made from essential oils. These include lemon peel oil, sage oil, and coconut oil. Moreover, it contains the goodness of salt from the Dead Sea. The easy whitening strip format gently removes surface stains to make teeth appear brighter. Available in a pack of 14 strips, it is completely non-toxic, enamel-friendly, and does not cause any sensitivity issues. It has a quick action effect, giving visibly whiter teeth in just 30 minutes. Used along with mouthwash and toothpaste from Oral essentials, it ensures great oral health and hygiene.
• Burt’s Bees™ Activated Charcoal Powder
  Activated charcoal is one of the best things that quickly whitens teeth. Although a bit abrasive, activated charcoal can be quite effective in removing surface stains. It is quite gentle to be used once every day. This natural teeth whitening product does not contain any parabens, microbeads, or preservatives. Along with activated charcoal, it contains coconut that improves dental and gum health. Plus, the combination of charcoal and coconut keeps away, plague, bacteria, and cavities. Also, it is quite easy to use: just dip a toothbrush in the powder and brush teeth for a minute. Follow it up by using any regular toothpaste.
• hello® activated charcoal epic whitening fluoride toothpaste
  A non-toxic toothpaste, this fluoride-free natural teeth whitening product contains activated charcoal. It removes surface stains, polishes and cleanses the teeth, and freshens the breath. This completely vegan toothpaste is quite gentle on the gums and teeth despite being made from charcoal that is known to be abrasive. Additionally, the toothpaste is free from alcohol, peroxide, gluten, parabens, and dyes.
• Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips 14 Treatments
  This all-natural and completely non toxic kit comprises of strips, toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash. The combined use of all four has been observed to give great results in just one week. Using oils of coconut oil, lemon peel, and sage, these products gently clear away stains to make way for whiter teeth. Additionally, the products contain calcium, manganese, and phosphate to fight sensitivity issues. This vegan sugar-free product is quite popular for healthy dental care.
• Zimba Whitening Strips
  Packed with the power of coconut oil, these teeth-whitening strips naturally lighten teeth to remove stains and discoloration. Completely chemical-free, the strips have a pleasant tropical flavor of coconuts. Using these strips gives visible results pretty quickly. Moreover, these strips are gentle on teeth and protect the enamel from damage. Additionally, the strips lower sensitivity and have advanced adhesion with non-slip technology.