919-682-5327 We are constantly being asked about natural teeth whitening trends our patients have read about online, in magazines, or heard about from close friends. Whiter, brighter teeth are a much sought after goal in modern society. But what about safety and effectiveness? Today, we’re going to look at three commonly touted remedies:
First on the list, using lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to whiten teeth isn’t new, but it is harmful to your pearly whites. These natural ingredients contain acids, which wear away tooth enamel over time. You really don’t want this to happen, as worn tooth enamel leads to tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.
Next up, the popular activated charcoal or baking soda/hydrogen peroxide paste to scrub your teeth clean naturally. But hold up, such abrasives also erode tooth enamel, inviting tooth sensitivity and cavities. But the kicker is when the enamel is worn down the darker layer of dentin below shows through, giving your teeth a yellower appearance. And the American Dental Association has also pointed out that there’s’ no scientific proof that charcoal dental products are safe to use on teeth.
And finally, we come to the idea of oil pulling and turmeric swishing to whiten teeth. The consensus? There is no scientific evidence to prove that they effectively whiten teeth.
What it comes down to is this: if you want brighter teeth and keep away stains, brush, and floss daily and attend routine professional dental cleanings. Try using whitening products like ADA approved toothpaste or whitening strips which have a proven track record of safely whitening teeth. In addition, our dentist is happy to speak with you about in-office or at-home teeth whitening treatments.
Yes, you can whiten your smile with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, but at a great cost to your tooth enamel. To help you find a safe, effective tooth whitening system for your smile, come in for an evaluation with our dentist.
Just call the Fleming Dental team at 919-682-5327. Our dentist, Dr. Alex Fleming in Durham, North Carolina looks forward to working with you to create the smile of your dreams!