Online adverts push DIY teeth whitening recommendations, and social media videos are full of dental “life hacks.” You may have heard from your friends about some amazing techniques to enhance your smile at home. Take it easy! Tooth whitening fads might be dangerous to your teeth.
Word of mouth might be an excellent method to learn about a new sushi restaurant in town. It might not be the finest source of advice for keeping your pearly whites in tip-top shape. Some of the most popular do-it-yourself dental tips, in fact, can make your teeth yellow! Attempting to lighten your teeth with “natural” or “DIY” methods might severely harm your teeth.
Your dentist is the best person to go to if you want to lighten your teeth safely.
What to Be Aware Of (or, five “natural” life hacks that can ruin your teeth)
We recommend avoiding the following five “natural” teeth whitening and oral care products:
- Lemon juice – The citric acid in lemons can erode away tooth enamel, causing irreversible damage to the teeth’s surface.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Although this chemical is used in small doses in several commercial dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash when used alone, hydrogen peroxide can harm teeth and gums.
- Inactivated charcoal (charcoal) is very harmful! Activated charcoal is abrasive, meaning it can erode away enamel and make teeth appear yellower. The American Dental Association (ADA) has not authorized the use of charcoal in dental therapy.
- Oil pulling — While swishing your mouth with coconut oil may not be detrimental in terms of removing food and germs, it’s debatable how effective it is when compared to brushing, flossing, and commercial antibacterial mouthwashes.
- Fluoride-free toothpaste — Fluoride is a proven cavity-fighting agent, particularly for children, and many municipalities add fluoride to their water supply for this purpose. By removing fluoride from your diet, you are raising your chances of developing cavities.
So, how can you make sure your teeth survive a lifetime?
- Regular visits to your dentist are the greatest method to keep “no issues” from developing tiny or major problems. Your dentist will inspect your whole mouth, jaw, and tongue for any strange fungi, bacteria, receding gums, bite alignment, lumps, growths, or abnormal colouring, in addition to checking your teeth for cavities.
- Have your teeth cleaned by a hygienist – discuss how often you should see the hygenist with your dentist. You should see the hygenist at least three times a year if you have gum disease or are particularly prone to cavities.
- Floss, floss, floss – Did you know that flossing can help you avoid heart disease? Flossing eliminates food particles between teeth that tooth brushing misses, which is critical for avoiding germs that might harm your health or cause halitosis.
- Reduce your intake of sugary drinks and meals – After consuming sweet or sticky meals, brush and floss your teeth. Many sodas are acidic and high in sugar, thus they should be avoided.
- Hard foods should be cut into smaller pieces – Bone loss is a natural aspect of aging, and older people are more vulnerable to tooth fractures when biting into hard foods.
- If you have dental discomfort, don’t ignore it. Ignoring tooth discomfort may result in more substantial (and costly!) dental procedures in the future, such as root canals and tooth implants. Bacterial infections can sometimes travel to the brain!
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