Almost everyone can say they would not mind a whiter smile. Natural teeth will inevitably turn dull and develop stains over time. This is why most of us will turn to DIY whitening techniques to try to fix it. However, not all of the most common ways to whiten teeth are safe or proven to work.
Keep reading for the truth about the top five DIY tooth whitening techniques.
Coconut oil pulling.
This is the technique of pulling a mouthful of coconut oil back and forth through your teeth for several minutes. Almost the same way you would use mouthwash, but really focusing on getting the oil pulled through the gaps between your teeth and up into the gums. This is actually a one hundred percent safe daily practice, barring any allergies or dietary sensitivities. However, it has not been proven to whiten teeth. Coconut oil does have several benefits, such as being an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and will not erode your tooth enamel.
Baking soda.
Its mild abrasiveness makes it a great way to buff out surface stains, and whiten teeth. The other side of that abrasiveness means that it can erode your tooth enamel over time, however. Instead of making your own toothpaste with it, try using an ADA (American Dental Association) approved toothpaste that contains baking soda. These toothpastes meet dental safety and health standards, as well as being proven to whiten teeth. Ask your dentist which kind of toothpaste would be best for your personal needs.
Hydrogen peroxide.
This DIY tooth whitening technique also comes with a double edged sword… While it is a natural bleacher and kills bacteria, it also can irritate the gums over time. Especially if you have receding gums that can cause it to come in contact with the roots of your teeth. This can cause a lot of problems and discomfort. It is also very important to use it at the proper dilution of 1.5%. Failure to do this can accelerate the side effects of irritation and sensitivity issues that come with regular use.
Turmeric.
A relatively new member of the DIY tooth whitening team, turmeric has not been proven to whiten teeth at all. Turmeric is very bright, and seeing the yellow color on your teeth can make them SEEM whiter when you rinse it off. This could be why it has become so popular as an alleged tooth whitener. However, there are many, many internal benefits to eating it regularly, so try adding it to some recipes instead of your toothpaste.
Lemon juice.
This is arguably the worst way to whiten teeth. Lemons and other citrus juices are very acidic, and will erode tooth enamel very quickly. This accelerates damage, and will eventually make your teeth look even more yellow. This is because once the enamel is gone, the dentin is visible, and has a yellow hue to it that will show through. Even if you are not using lemons to whiten your teeth, be cautious and limit your consumption to avoid these problems in the future.
So, now that we know the truth about the top five DIY tooth whitening techniques, what IS the best way to really whiten teeth? The answer is, of course, your dentist!
The absolute best way to whiten teeth is through dentist recommended hydrogen peroxide gel, used in custom fitted teeth trays. These would be similar to a mouth guard or retainer. This gives you the ability to monitor your progress over time to ensure safety, as well as achieving the shade you want.
Staying away from coffee, tea, sodas, candy, etc. is also important to maintain a whiter smile. Talk to your dentist about your options and how you can improve your dental hygiene routine. Always keep up with regular check-ups and cleanings, as well as an at-home dental health regimen.