3 Harmful Myths About Natural Teeth Whitening
There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet about what is natural, healthy, and safe for teeth whitening. For example, you may have seen some of your favorite social media influencers try charcoal teeth whitening.
But before you rush to place an online order, always consult with your dentist before trying any teeth whitening trends. Many of the “miracle” products you see on the internet can cause lasting damage to your smile.
In this blog post, we’ll debunk some of the most harmful myths about natural teeth whitening. We’ll also explore other teeth whitening options that are safe and effective.
Let’s get started.
Myth #1: You Can Use Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
Eating fruit is good for your health. But you should never allow acidic fruit juice to sit on your teeth for prolonged periods of time.
The acid in lemons and other fruits can wear away the outer layer of your teeth called enamel. The same goes for baking soda because it’s so abrasive.
Enamel gives your teeth their white appearance. But once you wear away the enamel, you’re more vulnerable to tooth sensitivity and decay. That lost enamel is also gone for good.
Our advice? Skip the homemade concoction.
Instead, use a fluoridated toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. It’ll strengthen enamel and whiten teeth.
Myth #2: Activated Charcoal is Safe and Healthy
Activated charcoal is a black powder made of peat, olive pits, coconut shells, slowly burned wood, and other natural ingredients.
But it’s important to remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean healthy. For example, tobacco is natural and known to cause lung cancer.
Activated charcoal hasn’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the American Dental Association for teeth whitening.
There’s no scientific evidence proving activated charcoal is safe or effective for teeth whitening. In fact, using abrasive scrubs can actually wear away the protective outer layer of your teeth and reveal the yellow dentin beneath.
Once this happens, your teeth will actually look yellower, not whiter. You want to whiten your tooth enamel, not scrub it away.
Myth #3 Evidence Shows That Oil Pulling Works
Oil pulling is the practice of swishing a teaspoon of edible oil (typically coconut) around your mouth to achieve white teeth.
While proponents claim that oil pulling helps remove the bacteria responsible for plaque and tartar, there’s currently no evidence to support this theory. While anecdotes can be compelling, they don’t replace scientific evidence.
It’s important to understand that many factors affect teeth whitening, such as smoking, eating staining foods, and neglecting oral health.
While it may appear that oil pulling helps whiten teeth, the difference could be due to something simpler like reducing how much coffee you drink.
So… What’s the Best Way to Whiten Teeth?
It’s much easier than you think to maintain healthy white teeth. The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily.
You should also see our dentists for a teeth cleaning and oral examination at least every 6 months. Following these recommendations will help from the surface of your teeth, which helps you keep a white smile.
Limit coffee, tea, and that could dull your smile. You should also avoid using tobacco products to avoid staining your teeth over time. In the end, good oral hygiene habits make the best home remedies for whitening teeth.
We understand the appeal of whitening your teeth from the comfort of your own home, which is why we often recommend custom teeth whitening trays for our patients.
Unlike abrasive scrubs you can concoct in your kitchen, custom whitening trays have been proven to effectively whiten teeth without destroying your enamel.
Call Advance Dental For Professional Teeth Whitening
Dr. Richard Neuman and Dr. Alexis Neuman are teeth whitening dentists in Grand Rapids, MI. As such, they offer custom whitening trays that are effective, safe, and easy to use. To schedule an appointment, call Advance Dental at (616) 956-9183. You may also fill out our online contact form.
