Everybody wants to have a nice, white smile, but how do you know which natural teeth whitening tricks actually work? There are ways to naturally whiten your teeth, but there are also plenty of myths flying around. Below, we separate fact from fiction when it comes to the best ways to whiten your teeth. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the most common response given when people were asked how they would like to improve their smile was that they would like a whiter smile. So how can you achieve this? Here’s a look at some common methods touted on the Internet.
Fruits
Fruits are a great dietary choice in that they are loaded with Vitamin C, but they aren’t going to do anything to whiten your smile. In fact, naturally acidic fruits eaten in large quantities can actually wear away your tooth enamel. Enamel is the thin outer coating on your teeth that protects against sensitivity and cavities.
Tooth Scrubs
Some dental scrubs claim that active ingredients like charcoal and baking soda will reinvigorate your smile and make your teeth brighter. However, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association, there is no evidence that dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for whitening your teeth. Also if the product is too abrasive, it can actually end up making your teeth look more yellow by wearing away your tooth enamel.
Whitening Toothpaste
These are probably your best bet if you’re looking for a simple way to make your teeth look a little whiter. When picking out a whitening toothpaste, look for one that is marked with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This let’s you know that the product is safe, effective and won’t wear down your tooth enamel. Whitening toothpastes don’t actually whiten the enamel, but they help remove superficial stains.
Coconut Oil
Some people believe that swishing coconut oil in your mouth can help to whiten your teeth, but again there is no documented scientific evidence to back up this assertion. Look elsewhere for a whitening option.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips aren’t really considered a “natural” way to whiten your teeth, but they are one of the most common methods pursued, so we want to touch on it. Like whitening toothpaste, make sure you find one with the ADA Seal of Approval so you know that the product is safe and effective. Here’s a link that will take you to a list of all oral hygiene products, including bleaching products, that have the ADA Seal of Approval.
There are other ways to whiten your teeth or prevent them from yellowing, and that includes avoiding coffee, stopping smoking and regularly brushing your teeth. For more tips on how to get a whiter smile, reach out to Dr. Brooks’ office today.