The Truth Behind “Natural Whitening” Fads | Norfolk NE Dentist

68701 dentist

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 teeth 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 68701 dentist for a recommendation for what kind of whitening will be best for your needs. For more information about whitening, contact our Norfolk, NE dental office.

Family 1st Dental of Norfolk – Taylor Avenue
Phone: (402) 371-6566
2104 Taylor Avenue
Norfolk, NE 68701

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Norfolk Dental Office

Norfolk Location

2104 Taylor Avenue,
Norfolk, NE 68701

(402) 371-6566

Screen Shot 2019-07-23 at 11.04.44 AM

Our Dental News

dentist near me

Preventing Enamel Erosion  | Family Dentist in Norfolk NE

Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you may be experiencing enamel erosion.  Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. […]

Learn More
dentist_Taylor_Avenue_Norfolk_NE

How Chocolate Affects the Health of Your Teeth | Norfolk NE Dentist

Did you know that chocolate might not be as bad for your teeth as people may have thought? You can now eat your favorite treat without feeling guilty. Studies have shown that there are benefits to eating chocolate, however, not […]

Learn More
Taylor_Avenue_Norfolk_NE

How Probiotics Improve Oral Health | Norfolk NE Dentist

Probiotics are typically advertised as being helpful for digestion. However, studies have shown that they can also improve oral health. Probiotics are beneficial for fighting infections that lead to oral disease.   Reducing Gingivitis  A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry […]

Learn More