These days, you can find new health and wellness trends that boast immediate and lasting results. Some seem outlandish and some seem to be rooted in what is “natural” or intuitive. But do these trends work? In many cases, they may even prove to be harmful. Because our Elevate Smile Design team is committed to the health and safety of our patients, we want to take a look at which dental fads you should question or steer clear of altogether.
- Charcoal Toothpaste
- Oil Pulling
- Lemon & Baking Soda to Whiten Teeth
- Rinsing with Hydrogen Peroxide
Online ads are filled with tales of the success of using charcoal toothpaste to whiten teeth. This is somewhat alarming, considering the health benefits are not clinically proven. The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that these products have not yet been shown to be safe or effective. Activated charcoal is extremely abrasive and may even increase the yellowing of your teeth (and any tooth sensitivity) because it can erode your enamel. We caution you against experimenting with this trend.
In recent years, coconut oil has received praise for its many uses. Oil pulling is the practice of swishing coconut oil in your mouth for an extended period of time with the aim of whitening your teeth and freshening your breath. While coconut oil may be used as many things, from a skin moisturizer to popcorn seasoning, oil pulling cannot replace proper dental hygiene. Although oil pulling may not be harmful on its own, it is no substitute for brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day to avoid bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Some online recipes claim that a combination of lemon and baking soda can whiten teeth; the problem is that they can also do more harm than good. While both seem natural and may initially whiten surface stains, the acidic and abrasive nature of this mixture will also contribute to concurrent enamel erosion. In time, this will create more discoloration and painful tooth sensitivity. Instead of risking your oral health with DIY methods, talk to us about our professional teeth whitening. We offer in-office laser teeth whitening, in addition to custom take-home trays!
We do not recommend you rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide. Although it’s an ingredient commonly found in mouthwash and toothpaste, using it alone can be harmful to your teeth and overall health, especially if accidentally swallowed. For a safe rinse, try warm water mixed with a little salt or ask us about our favorite mouthwash brands.
If you have any questions about the efficacy or safety of any dental fad, don’t hesitate to ask us! We’d be thrilled to guide you in the direction that will keep your smile bright and healthy without breaking the bank. Consult with our team today.
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