There’s no doubt that DIY dentistry has become a hot topic. People love the idea of saving money and doing things in the convenience of their own homes, but let’s consider the risks of taking dental treatments into your own hands. Teeth whitening is probably one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments. Who doesn’t want a bright, white smile? If you are tempted to attempt DIY teeth whitening at home, consider the risks involved.
Here are some DIY whitening trends that can be more harmful than beneficial.
Activated Charcoal
It sounds counterintuitive to smear black paste all over your teeth to make them white. Also, don’t confuse activated charcoal with the charcoal that you use to barbeque. Although the properties are similar, they’re two different types of charcoal. Activated charcoal is a black powder made from a mixture of coconut shells, olive pits, coals, etc. It’s primarily used in the medical field to safely neutralize toxins.
Aside from being super messy and hard to remove from the nooks and crannies of your gum line, activated charcoal has not been given the ADA Seal of Approval because it’s not a very effective whitening regime and the risks outweigh the benefits. Charcoal is super porous and absorbent, so it may remove some surface stains at most but nothing deep within the teeth. It’s also abrasive and can scrape away tooth enamel. Additionally, activated charcoal treatments do not contain fluoride so if used in place of routine brushing and flossing, it can lead to tooth decay.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has become a popular remedy for a multitude of things such as boosting immunity, clearing up acne, improving weight loss, and killing bacteria. Add to the list, teeth whitening.
ACV is simply vinegar made from apples, but it boasts a pungent flavor that causes most people to hold their breath while consuming. Because it’s vinegar, it’s highly acidic, and we all know that acid is no match for tooth enamel. The pH level in ACV can cause more damage to teeth than coffee or even stomach acid! Claims of oral health benefits like whiter teeth and fresher breath have yet to be backed up by sufficient scientific research.
If you must attempt the ACV method, first off, please dilute it with water. You should never apply something super acidic directly to your teeth. Also, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an ingredient in some commercial toothpastes. Its natural whitening properties and mild abrasiveness can aid in the removal of yellow stains. Many people like to apply a baking soda and water paste to their teeth. Attempting a DIY baking soda concoction can be risky since too much baking soda can wear down tooth enamel.
With Lemon: If properly mixed, the chemical properties in baking soda (a base) and lemon (an acid) can cancel each other out. The problem is that too much lemon or too much baking soda is harsh on tooth enamel, so not having the perfect mixture could cause irreversible damage to your teeth.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The wonders of hydrogen peroxide are endless. Its disinfecting properties can clean everything from wounds to kitchen counters. That cheap brown bottle can go a long way! Now how about using hydrogen peroxide on your teeth?
In fact, peroxide is one of the only substances actually proven to whiten tooth enamel. Don’t get too excited though. It all comes down to exact science. Highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide can do the following: damage enamel, cause tooth sensitivity, and in rare cases, lead to inflammation of teeth roots within the gums.
Oil Pulling
This cleansing/whitening regime dates back to ancient times when people would use it as a healing remedy for various ailments and diseases. Coconut oil is the most popular choice for oil pulling because the flavor is bearable, and it contains lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial agents. Oil pulling is thought to remove toxins and harmful bacteria from oral tissues through the process of pushing and pulling the oil through the teeth and mouth.
The buzz on oil pulling is that it can freshen breath, kill bacteria, remove plaque, and whiten teeth. While there may be some benefits of oil pulling, scientific research can’t validate these claims. There really is no downside to oil pulling other than it’s time-consuming (20 min or so) and might make your jaw tired. If you want to give it a try, have at it, but don’t let it be a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Professional Whitening Treatments
If you are looking to get the best results, we suggest getting your teeth whitened with Berger Dental. We offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments that will leave you with a shimmering smile!
Make your appointment today by calling us at 954-344-4488, or completing an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.