Natural Tooth Whitening – Fact or Fiction?

by | Aug 5, 2021 | Blog Posts

Natural Tooth Whitening - Fact or Fiction

In the mid-2000s, Procter & Gamble’s Crest brand commissioned a study to identify tooth whitening’s impact on first impressions. Over half of the respondents believed that whiter teeth led to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater success with relationships. [1] More than a decade later, our culture’s obsession with white teeth still exists, and in 2020, 37 million Americans used DIY tooth whiteners. [2] However, concerns about using chemicals and problems with tooth sensitivity have led many people to consider natural tooth whitening alternatives. But is natural tooth whitening effective, and is it actually safe for your teeth?

Misconceptions About Tooth Whitening

Substances like coffee, red wine, and tobacco can stain teeth, so it’s logical to think that scrubbing off the stains will reveal a whiter color. But the best way to get and maintain white teeth is to protect the enamel and avoid abrasive products. Over time – and as we continue to brush our teeth – the enamel layer gets thinner, and the yellowish layer below the enamel begins to show through.

Popular Natural Tooth Whitening Methods

Natural tooth whitening ingredients are typically common household items or fresh ingredients that consumers view as healthy. Some ingredients may seem unusual. But since they come from natural sources – and get a lot of attention on blogs and social media accounts devoted to healthy living – people are more willing to try them. While it’s reasonable to assume that natural products are safer than chemicals like peroxide, natural tooth whitening could actually damage the enamel layer.

Scrubs to Whiten Teeth

Not too long ago, activated charcoal was the latest trend for teeth whitening. Many people, including influencers and popular figures, used and demonstrated this scrubbing method. It turned many people on to the procedure. An alternative (and cleaner-looking approach) is to make a paste scrub from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Abrasive scrubs may bring some luster back to your dingy bathroom tiles, but there’s no evidence that scrubbing your teeth will restore their whiteness. There’s also a risk that too much abrasion can damage the outer enamel layer and expose the yellow dentin layer underneath. Finally, there’s mixed evidence about the safety of placing activated charcoal in your mouth.

Acids and Enzymes

Baking soda is also a key ingredient for pastes combined with citrus fruits, apple cider vinegar, pineapple, and mango. These fruits and kinds of vinegar are either acidic or contain digestive enzymes that are thought to brighten smiles. But when acids are applied directly to teeth, they can wear away the enamel, not only stripping away whiteness but also increasing the likelihood of tooth sensitivity and cavities.

Oil Pulling and Turmeric

If people thought activated charcoal was unusual, a close runner-up for an alternative natural whitening technique is oil pulling. Oil pulling is rooted in ancient Ayurvedic history, which is perhaps why there’s interest in it. Swishing extra-virgin coconut oil, like mouthwash, is said to remove harmful bacteria and plaque, but there’s no evidence that it helps whiten teeth.

Turmeric has also made headlines recently for its health properties, and people have either added it to their oil pulling routine or mixed the powder with their toothpaste. Once again, there are no reliable studies to prove the effectiveness of using turmeric to whiten teeth.

Safer and More Effective Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

The best way to take care of your teeth and protect your enamel is to eat a healthy diet and adhere to a proper dental routine. Despite the warning about fruit acids and enzymes, fruit is perfectly safe to eat as you normally would. Other ways to acquire and maintain a brighter smile include:

If You Have Questions About Tooth Whitening Products, Contact Your Dentist

Your dentist is a reliable source of information about tooth whitening methods. Dr. Tehila Cohen is an experienced general and cosmetic dentist. She will be happy to recommend safe at-home tooth whitening products. For faster whitening, schedule professional tooth whitening at Empire Dental Care. Not only do professional products have higher concentrations of active ingredients, but our staff knows how to apply the treatment for optimal safety and best results. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 585-671-1650

 

 

Sources:

[1] https://news.pg.com/news-releases/news-details/2007/New-Study-Shows-Whiter-Teeth-Can-Lead-to-Greater-Success-in-Work-and-Love/default.aspx

[2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/287384/usage-of-tooth-whiteners-in-the-us-trend/

Tehila-formal
Dr. Cohen has been practicing dentistry in private and public settings for over 10 years, completing her DMD degree in 2010 at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Committed to providing dental care of the highest level, Dr. Cohen relocated to Rochester in 2016 to pursue advanced dental trainings at the Dental Urgent Care Fellowship at The University of Rochester, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, graduating in 2017, and the AEGD Residency program in 2019. She recently completed an additional advanced General Practice Residency program at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany NY. This summer she moved back to Rochester with her husband Kevin, a native Rochesterian, to be closer to family. Throughout her career and personal life, Dr. Cohen has shown her genuine compassion and care to people and patients from all walks of life. She volunteered in underserved areas, practiced in clinics for patients with complex special needs, and treated medically compromised patients among others. She also taught and mentored other dentists and students helping them achieve their professional and personal goals. Most of all, Dr. Cohen’s warm personality and love of people create a welcoming, comfortable feeling for both patients and staff.