The popularity of teeth whitening in today’s society is impacting many aspects of dentistry. People are looking for options to whiten their teeth at home and create a beautiful smile with minimal effort. The appeal of having a bright and white smile is overwhelming, so there are many ways people have been trying to whiten their teeth at home, such as using multiple products that offer various levels of effectiveness within a short period of time.
It can be confusing to know which products or home remedies are successful and which ones might damage your teeth. Therefore, before you embark on any new oral hygiene practices, be sure to consult with your dental professional. Our staff of cosmetic dentists will work with you to identify the methods that will provide maximum benefits while maintaining tooth health.
This blog highlights the most common methods for whitening teeth at home. It will also discuss mistakes made by consumers that impact the effectiveness of these products and review the advantages or disadvantages of professional teeth whitening treatments. While many individuals have achieved satisfying results at home, professional teeth whitening treatments will remain the best option for long-term results.
DIY Teeth Whitening Home Remedies: Ten Recipes
There are numerous at-home teeth whitening recipes available for individuals who want whiter teeth. However, many of these recipes do not provide the desired results due to a variety of reasons. Several of these recipes are identified below and describe how they may provide durability when utilised as directed.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Baking soda combined with hydrogen peroxide is a popular method used for DIY teeth whitening. Baking soda is a safe and effective polishing agent that helps remove surface stains, while hydrogen peroxide works as bleach. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are safe to use in moderation, but excessive use may result in tooth enamel erosion. Therefore, this method should only be used once or twice a week.
To make your own paste at home, mix a small amount (approximately one pinch) of baking soda with two or three drops of hydrogen peroxide. Apply the mixture to your teeth and brush them gently for about two minutes. Rinse your mouth well.
Coconut Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that originated in India. The process involves swishing specific types of oil (coconut or sesame oil) around in your mouth for approximately 20 minutes with the intention of removing toxins and preventing plaque build-up to produce a brighter smile.
Although oil pulling does not provide bleaching effects, it will assist in maintaining your oral hygiene and preventing stains from returning. You may safely perform oil pulling daily; however, as it is not intended to produce any immediate improvements in tooth colouration, you should consider it as an adjunct to your usual dental care routine.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another common home remedy used for teeth whitening is apple cider vinegar. It is believed that apple cider vinegar’s high acidity will break down plaque and surface stains. The drawback to this type of whitening is the potential harm to your tooth enamel, which could occur if you use too much of the product or leave it on your teeth for an extended period of time. Most dentists advise against this method of whitening due to the high risk of enamel damage associated with the use of apple cider vinegar.
Strawberry Paste
Malic acid, which helps to remove tooth stains, is found in strawberries. Excessive use of strawberry acid can damage tooth enamel. Therefore, while strawberry paste may help to whiten teeth, other options should be considered for long-term results.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal absorbs toxins and is commonly used in both people’s products at home and in many over-the-counter whitening products. There is very little scientific evidence to support active charcoal’s efficacy as a tooth whitener despite its potential to help eliminate surface stains from the teeth.
The use of activated charcoal on the teeth can be abrasive and may damage the enamel if it is used often enough to cause damage. At home, you may wish to dip a wet toothbrush into powdered activated charcoal and gently brush your teeth with it twice a week and rinse thoroughly after use.
Banana Peel Rub
Fans of this technique believe that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on one’s teeth may act as a natural whitening treatment due to its high potassium and magnesium content. This natural whitening technique is not backed by any scientific evidence or studies, and the sugar content of bananas can promote tooth decay.
Turmeric Paste
The use of turmeric paste for teeth whitening is surprising given the bright yellow colour of turmeric. Nevertheless, many people claim using a paste made of coconut oil or water mixed with turmeric powder, then brushing with the paste, can whiten teeth. While there are some anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric that may help improve gum health, the whitening benefits of turmeric are minimal. As stated by dentists, it is advisable to reserve turmeric for use in the preparation of delicious curries, rather than teeth whitening.
Orange or Lemon Peels
Orange or lemon peel is another method similar to the banana peel method. By rubbing the inside of orange or lemon peel against your teeth, it has been said this can also help whiten teeth. Nevertheless, orange and lemon peel contain acidic properties, and regular exposure may erode tooth enamel; thus, leading to tooth sensitivity and increased staining from other food items in the future. Therefore, avoiding this method of whitening and using other methods of whitening that are safer for your teeth is recommended.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
The mixture of baking soda with lemon juice as a DIY whitening paste is another popular method. The baking soda does act as an abrasive (which is somewhat safe), however the lemon juice is acidic and very damaging to your enamel. The risk severely outweighs the benefit. Therefore, skip using this method of whitening in exchange for something more effective and safe for your teeth.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is safe and easily available to anyone who wants to whiten their teeth at home. Mild abrasives and low levels of hydrogen peroxide or other whitening chemicals make whitening toothpaste safe for use.
Whitening toothpaste will help keep your teeth white if you regularly practice good oral hygiene, but the results will be gradual rather than immediate and will typically not be as good as what you would get by going to your dentist for treatment.
The Professional Touch: Why In-Office Teeth Whitening May Be the Best Choice
If you want immediate and great results, then going to a dentist for professional teeth whitening is probably your best option. The bleaching agents that our dentists use are stronger than what you can buy at the pharmacy and they are formulated exclusively for your needs. So they provide the best results without causing extra sensitivity or damage to your teeth.
Conclusion: Safe and Effective Teeth Whitening
There are many reasons to be excited about teeth whitening through your cosmetic dentist. However, you should always be cautious when it comes to attempting this process on your own. Often, the DIY options will have some effect on the outside layer of your teeth, but the dangers presented by these options can outweigh the positives.
Instead of risking it all by taking advantage of untried procedures or unsafe methods, you should utilise professional dental treatment to ensure your oral health remains intact while attaining the look of a bright new smile.
Contact your local dental office to set up an appointment for a whiter smile in the future!
