Many people want to have white teeth. Having whiter teeth is an achievable goal with proper dental care and regular oral hygiene. However, many people participate in teeth whitening fads hoping it will make their teeth brighter. Dr. Tran and the team at Alder Trails Dental want you to understand that these fads may not work and some can actually cause damage to the enamel.
Here are five teeth whitening fads to avoid:
- Oil Pulling
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Activated Charcoal
- Lemon Juice & Baking Soda
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Oil pulling is a process that involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes. The theory is that it helps whiten teeth, remove harmful bacteria, and freshens the breath. This is an ancient practice that has since been replaced with better and more effective methods of taking care of your oral health.
Many dental products, like toothpaste, mouthwash, and teeth-whiteners, contain hydrogen peroxide. When hydrogen peroxide is used in these products, it’s at a safe amount with approval from the FDA. Rinsing your mouth with pure hydrogen peroxide is not a good way to whiten your teeth. It will damage your enamel and irritate your gums.
Activated charcoal has seen a rise in popularity. Many products and people claim that charcoal can help whiten teeth. The American Dental Association hasn’t approved charcoal for teeth whitening. Additionally, there is a possibility that charcoal can wear away your enamel and cause yellow teeth.
Brushing your teeth with a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda is another teeth whitening fad. Lemons are acidic and baking soda is abrasive. This combination could also break down your enamel and harm your oral health.
Apple cider vinegar may have some health benefits, but it doesn’t do a lot of good for your mouth. The acid in apple cider vinegar is too strong for your teeth to handle. It can weaken your tooth and gum structure in the long-term.
Want Teeth Whitening That Works?
Stay away from unproven and potentially harmful fads that claim to whiten your teeth. You will not only waste your time and your money, but you also could damage your teeth. Alder Trails Dental has a safe and proven teeth whitening process to give you a brighter smile. We offer custom-tray whitening and one-visit whitening. Both of these procedures can lighten your teeth by several shades. Contact us today to discuss teeth whitening and make an appointment.
