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There’s nothing wrong with wanting a whiter smile. Things start to get a little sketchy when you blindly trust any teeth whitening method deemed “natural”. Unfortunately, just because something is labeled this way does not mean it’s necessarily safe for your teeth. Our Washington, MI, cosmetic dentist will always recommend professional teeth whitening instead.
Here are 3 widespread tricks you should not attempt.
Generally, It’s Best to Avoid:
1. Placing Acidic Fruits on Teeth
This is a common approach heralded by “experts”. The idea is to rub fresh fruit (or their peels) over your teeth to make them brighter by removing dark stains. Fruits used for this method are naturally acidic and often include lemons, oranges, or pineapples.
Though it might seem fine because these fruits are good for you, the sugar and acid contained within them can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion. Instead of a whiter smile, you may actually do more damage to your teeth in the long run. After all, enamel is what helps protect you from tooth sensitivity and cavities.
Dr. Lesinski recommends you stick to consuming these fruits in their whole form as a snack or healthy side. If you’re still interested in a whiter smile, ask us about our in-office teeth whitening treatment that uses a safe, dental grade whitening gel.
2. Scrubbing With Activated Charcoal or Baking Soda
Toothpastes or homemade mixes containing activated charcoal as an ingredient are very popular as they promise whiter, shinier results. However, there is no proven evidence that clearly shows dental products with charcoal are safe or effective.
In reality, charcoal scrubs or pastes made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are very abrasive. Repeated use can wear away enamel and cause the next layer of your tooth, dentin, to become visible. Dentin is softer and yellow in appearance, so not what you want showing if you’re looking for whiter teeth.
If you want to use a whitening toothpaste, Dr. Lesinski suggests finding one that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That means it has been clinically tested to be safe and effective for your smile. Our teeth whitening option also allows you to whiten teeth up to 8 shades in one visit to our Washington, MI, dental office.
3. Swishing Oils or Spices Around in Your Mouth
The practice of “oil pulling” has roots in ancient India and is said to pull toxins out through the gums and mouth. Oftentimes, coconut oil is chosen, swished around the mouth for a short period of time, and spat out. Spices like turmeric are also applied to teeth in combination with the oil to enhance the natural whitening properties of the two.
However, no credible scientific evidence so far has shown oil pulling or turmeric to be particularly powerful whitening agents. Dr. Lesinski recommends you instead incorporate these ingredients into delicious home cooked meals.
Professional Teeth Whitening For the Win
Whereas teeth whitening in our dental office is safe for your enamel, natural remedies can often cause damage to that part of your tooth. Many times, the ingredients used are too rough or abrasive for teeth despite being natural.
At Washington Family Dental, we stand by the . You can rest assured knowing that the procedure is done under the supervision of our dentist and assisting staff. That means trained eyes are present to monitor the entire process and ensure you’re happy with results.
Ask Dr. Lesinski About Zoom Teeth Whitening
Quick tips and tricks found on the internet with regards to teeth whitening can be tempting. However, they’re often not supported by evidence or from credible sources. If you’re interested in whitening your smile, our cosmetic dentist in Washington, MI, can help. Call Washington Family Dental today at (586) 752-4545 or contact us online to get started.