The Internet is informative but also a dangerous place to look for information. There is a lot of false content about what is safe, unsafe, and effective for teeth whitening. For example, you may have seen social media influencers on Instagram using charcoal to whiten their teeth. But before you follow non-expert advice, be sure to check with a Brookline dentist.
Most of the products you see on the Internet might be promotions or ads and may cause more damage than good. Not all DIY or homemade tips are helpful. For professional teeth whitening, you can book a session with a Brookline general dentist. Meanwhile, here are some myths about natural teeth whitening that you should know.
Misconceptions about natural teeth whitening
- Activated charcoal is recommended by the ADA for teeth whitening.
Activated charcoal is made up of various ingredients, including olive pits, burned wood, peat, coconut shells, and other natural items. It is a black-colored powder. However, just because something has “natural” attached to it does not mean it is healthy and safe. The biggest example of this is tobacco, which is natural but causes cancer.
The truth is that there is no scientific evidence proving that activated charcoal is safe and effective for teeth whitening. In fact, scrubbing the surface of your teeth in the wrong way can ruin the top layer, which is the enamel.
2. Lemon juice and baking soda are effective for teeth whitening.
Eating fruits is healthy for your body. However, you should not let citrus fruits sit in your mouth for a long time as it can ruin your teeth. The acidic nature of citrus fruits can eat away at the enamel, which is an important top layer.
The same goes for baking soda, as it is very abrasive in nature. The enamel gives your teeth a white appearance, and once it becomes damaged, it cannot grow back again. Therefore, it is important to preserve it.
3. Oil-pulling is a proven whitening agent.
The oil-pulling method comes from the popular Ayurvedic Medicine. Many celebrities, including Gwenyth Paltrow, claimed that it had been the secret to her set of white pearls for years.
The method involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil in your mouth first thing in the morning for about 20 minutes. Apart from whitening, it is also believed to have anti-bacterial properties. However, sadly, science has never proved this.
Swishing anything in your mouth, be it water, mouthwash, or oil, dislodges the food debris and bacteria, which makes your teeth feel cleaner. However, it does not do anything to whiten your teeth.
If you have tried these teeth whitening methods and they have not worked, you can opt for professional whitening. Visit your dentist today!