Thanks to the age of information brought about by the internet, information regarding how to keep your teeth pearly white has never been more available. Right now, fad “all-natural” teeth whitening routines are taking the world (and social media) by storm.
Three of the most popular methods include:
- Coconut oil pulling
- Charcoal
- Strawberries and baking soda
While these are not necessarily without merit, they are also not all they are cracked up to be, and some may even pose additional problems.
Teeth whitening done by a professional is the most likely method to offer visible, fast, and high-quality results.
How Can Coconut Oil Pulling Help Whiten Teeth?
Oil pulling is a term to describe the swishing of coconut or any form of edible plant-based oil in the mouth to promote antibacterial and antiparasitic activity. This ancient technique was initially designed to pull toxins out and from underneath the gums to cleanse and detoxify the mouth, and, when done properly, oil pulling can improve the oral health of a patient over time.
While oil pulling does not directly whiten the teeth, it does remove bacteria from collecting around the gums and teeth that cause gingivitis; over time, this removal can contribute to a brighter, healthier smile.
How Can Charcoal Help Whiten Teeth?
Charcoal, like oil pulling, does not have a direct relationship to the whiteness of your teeth. Even still, charcoal toothpaste can help loosen plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth.
Usually made with activated charcoal, charcoal toothpaste acts as an absorbent and corrosive substance. The debris that clings to your teeth will also cling to the charcoal particles active in the toothpaste, which may, in turn, prevent debris from making your smile dingy and drab.
Naturally, the teeth have the potential for appearing whiter or cleaner after rinsing, but this is only due to surface stain removal. This pales in comparison to professional whitening treatments.
Patients should be cautious using charcoal-activated toothpaste, as charcoal is abrasive and can damage tooth enamel.
How Can Strawberries and Baking Soda Help Whiten Teeth?
Another burgeoning theory amongst the blogosphere is the use of strawberry juice combined with baking soda to whiten the teeth.
Unfortunately, mixing baking soda with strawberry juice and applying it to the teeth can be quite anticlimactic and disappointing under closer examination. Additionally, it has been proven that the malic acid found in fruits that are reported to have teeth whitening qualities actually damage the tooth enamel more than they keep the teeth white.
This repetitious contact with fruit sugars can even cause bacteria and cavities to form.
Interested in Learning More About Professional Teeth Whitening in Beverly Hills?
The surest way to gain a vibrant and pearly white set of teeth is by visiting a renowned dentist like Dr. Sands. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sands for a teeth whitening process that is quick, painless, and effective. Call our Beverly Hills office at 310-273-0111 or use our online contact form.