Have you come across any dental fads on the internet lately with claims that they can improve the whiteness of your teeth or miraculously improve your health? Be careful. Here are some recent dental fads that should be avoided.
- Lemon Juice & Baking Soda
Lemon juice and baking soda is a dental fad that is said to have teeth whitening capabilities. However, each of these ingredients come with their own separate dangers for your mouth. Lemon juice is a very acidic substance. Repeated exposure puts you at risk for enamel damage which can result in tooth discoloration and tooth decay. Baking soda, on the other hand, is a common ingredient found in many American Dental Association (ADA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved toothpastes. But too much baking soda can be very abrasive to your teeth and will wear down your enamel over time.
2. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a very old oral care practice that has recently seen a surge in popularity. The idea is to swish oil (such as coconut or sesame oil) around your mouth for up to 30 minutes. Can you imagine how tiring that must be? Doing so is said to whiten teeth, freshen breath, and fight plaque. Some people even claim that it detoxifies your body. However, the American Dental Association says, “oil pulling is not recommended as a supplementary oral hygiene practice, and certainly not as a replacement for standard, time-tested oral health behaviors and modalities.” It’s best to stick with safe, professional teeth whitening treatments and a tried-and-true soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste instead.
3. Brushing with Charcoal
Brushing your teeth with activated charcoal capsules is another popular Pinterest and YouTube trend. People swear that it is the greatest natural method for whitening teeth. People also claim that it draws out other toxins from your body. As amazing as that sounds, ADA spokesperson Kim Harms, DDS, says there is no evidence at all that activated charcoal does any good for your teeth. Charcoal is much too abrasive for your teeth. It might even make them more yellow by wearing down the enamel and exposing the yellow-tinted dentin that lies beneath.
Consult with Us About Proper Oral Care!
As always, we encourage you to first and foremost stick to brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and ADA-approved toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting our office for biannual checkups before turning to a dental fad for maintaining your oral health. But if you are considering trying out a dental fad, we recommend that you consult with the Stratman Family Dentistry team first. This way, you can ensure that it won’t negatively affect your teeth and gums. We look forward to hearing from you!
