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Neem, acacia and miswak sticks have been used for cleaning the mouth in India for centuries. In today’s modern era, when the market is filled with chemical-laden toothpastes and expensive teeth whitening products, many people still turn to traditional toothpaste for natural shine. But the biggest question that arises is, can the yellowness of years go away and the teeth become pearly white just by rubbing the teeth with Neem?
According to dental surgeons and oral health experts, Neem powder is extremely beneficial for the overall health of teeth and gums, but it is important to have a proper scientific understanding about its whitening effect. There are two types of yellowing of teeth: First is extrinsic stains, which accumulate on the upper layer of the teeth i.e. enamel due to tea, coffee, tobacco or food items. Second, intrinsic yellowness (Intrinsic Stains), which occurs due to the appearance of the inner layer of teeth i.e. dentin due to aging, effect of medicines or genetic reasons.
Dental experts clearly believe that Neem toothpaste is not a chemical bleaching agent which can completely change the natural color of teeth artificially. However, it is very effective in removing plaque, tartar and food particles from the surface of the teeth.
When you chew Neem toothpick properly and use it as a brush, its fibers gradually clean away the grime and light stains of tea and coffee on the upper surface of the teeth. This makes the teeth appear in their true natural color, making them look cleaner and brighter than before. The natural color of truly healthy teeth is slightly off-white or yellowish, as the dentin beneath the enamel is naturally yellow.
Even though Datoon may not whiten your teeth overnight like bleach, it is no less than a boon for your overall oral health. Neem bark and juice contain several active ingredients:
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Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties: Elements like nimbin and azadirachtin present in neem destroy the harmful bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) in the mouth, thereby minimizing the risk of cavity and decay.
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Gum strength: The astringent juice of Neem provides relief from problems like gingivitis and pyorrhea and stops bleeding from the gums.
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Get rid of bad breath: It increases the production of saliva and keeps the pH level of the mouth balanced, which completely eliminates bad breath.
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Plaque elimination: The natural fibers of toothpaste clean the dirt stuck between the teeth without any chemical harm.
Dental surgeons warn that misuse of Neem toothpaste can cause huge harm to the teeth instead of benefiting it. Often people start rubbing hard toothpaste directly on the teeth, due to which the protective layer (enamel) of the teeth gets worn away and the problem of sensitivity starts.
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Create a soft brush: First of all, chew the upper part of a fresh and thin branch of Neem slowly with your teeth until it takes the form of a soft brush.
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Gentle cleaning: Using natural bristles, gently massage the teeth from top to bottom. Avoid rubbing vigorously.
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Do not put pressure on the gums: Do not press the toothbrush hard on the gums, clean only the surface and back of the teeth.
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Rinse and clean the tongue: After brushing your teeth, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and also clean the tongue by tearing the toothpick from the middle.
If you want to reduce yellowness and achieve natural brightness without harming your teeth, dental experts recommend these safe home remedies:
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Oil Pulling: In the morning on an empty stomach, take one spoon of virgin coconut oil or sesame oil in the mouth, swirl it around for 5 to 10 minutes and then spit it out. This process flushes out toxins from the mouth and removes plaque, restoring the shine of the teeth.
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Light Baking Soda and Water: Just once or twice a month, you can mix a pinch of baking soda in water and apply it lightly on your teeth with your finger. Do not use it regularly as excessive use can thin the enamel.
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Consumption of Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Chewing raw and fibrous things like apple, carrot, cucumber and guava increases the secretion of saliva and helps in natural scrubbing of teeth.
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Use of straw and rinse immediately: Rinse with plain water immediately after drinking tea, coffee, turmeric drinks or cold drinks. If possible, use straws for dark liquids so they don’t come in direct contact with the teeth.
The safest way to keep your teeth shiny and healthy is by brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a scaling (professional cleaning) done by the dentist every 6 months. Many people have a misconception that getting a dentist cleaning weakens the teeth, whereas scientifically scaling only removes stubborn tartar. You can definitely adopt Neem Datoon as a great helper and natural oral care tool in your daily life.