Debunking the Myths of Natural Teeth Whitening

Particularly when it comes to “natural” teeth whitening, not all the information you see on Instagram and Facebook is genuine. The belief that only natural products are great for your smile is one of the significant misunderstandings among patients. 

In reality, many of these natural teeth-whitening substances are harsh to teeth and may eventually wear down enamel. Book your dental appointment today with a dentist in Hollywood, FL.

Debunking the myths of natural teeth whitening

• The ADA Has Approved Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening

A black powder, known as “activated charcoal,” is created by gently burning wood, peat, coconut shells, olive pits, and other organic materials. But remember that “natural” does not always mean healthy. 

For example, smoking is a proven natural lung cancer cause. Neither the American Dental Association nor the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized activated charcoal for application to teeth-whitening procedures.

No scientific evidence exists to support the safety or efficacy of activated charcoal for tooth whitening. The protective enamel on your teeth can be worn away by harsh cleansers, exposing the tooth’s yellow dentin underneath. Your teeth will not look whiter after this; rather, they will look yellower. 

• It is safe to use baking soda and lemon juice on enamel.

Although it is healthy to consume fruit, you should never let acidic fruit juice stay on your teeth for a prolonged period. The enamel on your teeth, which is their outer surface, can get eroded away by the acid in lemons and other fruits. 

Your teeth’ enamel gives them a bright look and protects the sensitive dentin underneath from damage. Once the enamel has been eroded, tooth sensitivity and decay are more likely to occur.

It is a myth that using baking soda and lemon juice to whiten teeth safely is a myth. Baking soda is abrasive, unlike toothpaste, and will, over time, destroy your tooth enamel. 

• It Has Been Proven That Oil Pulling Whitens Teeth.

To get pearly whites, oil pulling requires swirling a spoonful of edible (usually coconut) around your mouth. No evidence currently supports the claim that oil pulling helps eliminate the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar, unlike the claims of its proponents. Although interesting, facts cannot take the place of scientific evidence.

It is essential to know that various things, like smoking, consuming foods that stain teeth, and neglecting dental health, can affect how white teeth appear. Even though it appears that oil pulling whitens teeth, the actual root of the change may involve something simpler, like reducing your coffee consumption.