Dentist Near Me
It seems like there is a new headline nearly every week
featuring someone who swears their teeth are whiter and brighter due to their
natural home remedy for stain removal. These articles showcase the idea that
whitening can be cheap and easy, if in some cases unpleasant. It can be
tempting to consider trying for brighter, whiter teeth without investing time
and money on in-office or at-home whitening under a dentist’s care. However,
before you pin your hopes on one of these “natural whitening” methods, take a
look at the truth behind some of the recent fads.
Fad 1: Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has been cropping up in headlines for months
with claims of a wide variety of potential health benefits. It is a very old
folk remedy in which a person swishes a tablespoon of edible oil, such as
coconut, sunflower, olive, etc., in their mouth and between teeth for up to 20
minutes daily.
Despite the number of years this practice has existed and
the number of health issues it purports to treat, there is no evidence that oil
pulling whitens teeth or improves health.
Fad 2: Fruits
Due to celebrity endorsement, some people have begun to try
rubbing mashed strawberries on their teeth to try to achieve a whiter smile.
Others are using lemon or orange peels, and still others tout the virtues of
eating pineapple or swishing apple cider vinegar.
However, there is no science to support any of these claims.
In fact, one recent study found that brushing with a mixture of baking soda
(which is known to have whitening effects on teeth) and strawberries did not
whiten teeth. Even worse, the citric acids found in all of these fruits and
vinegars can actually be harmful to the enamel on your teeth.
Fad 3: Hydrogen Peroxide
While it is true that many forms of in-office and
over-the-counter teeth whitening make use of hydrogen peroxide, there is more
to consider before opening a bottle. The hydrogen peroxide used in professional
teeth whitening, whether in-office or at-home, is mixed with other substances
and provided in a form designed for use in teeth whitening.
Simply swishing from a bottle of hydrogen peroxide will have
little or no effect on the whiteness of your teeth, but may cause irritation to
your gums and mouth and can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.
If you want whiter, brighter teeth, there are safe and effective ways to achieve your goal. Talk with our doctor for a recommendation for what kind of whitening will be best for your needs. For more information about whitening, contact our office.
5399 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60630
Phone: 773.763.1000
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