Risks and truths about popular natural teeth whiteners

Today, you can find so many lifehacks and do-it-yourself tutorials on the internet. This includes random tips regarding oral care and teeth whitening. When it comes to these tutorials, the internet is bursting with unlimited sources full of ideas. Let’s discuss a few natural teeth whitening tips you can easily find online. These tutorials for natural teeth whiteners may be popular, they also contain risks, which many articles fail to emphasize.

Understanding Your Teeth

The tooth’s enamel is the protective shell of your tooth. The enamel is translucent but can stain, making your teeth look dark or yellow. This, of course, depends on the substance that stained the tooth. Dentin is the main portion of the tooth responsible for the tooth’s natural color, which can be white, off-white, gray, or yellowish. The color of dentin is usually white. Having grayish or yellowish colored dentin could mean an underlying health issue. On the other hand, the hard enamel layer is vulnerable to erosion when subjected to certain foods and substances – particularly acids. 

Why Proceed with Caution

The enamel is the part of your teeth that’s most vulnerable to popular natural teeth whitener hacks you can find today. Erosion of the enamel occurs when the enamel layer of the tooth thins out. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. Furthermore, the enamel is irreparable. Once there is damage, the enamel will be unable to repair or heal itself. You’d need professional help for enamel repair or restoration.

Popular Natural Teeth Whiteners

Now that we have discussed the compositions of your teeth and why you ought to be very careful in trying out any teeth whitening hack you find online, let’s discuss some of the popular natural teeth whiteners below.

Strawberries and Apples (Malic Acid)

Eating strawberries and apples is a healthy and natural teeth whitening remedy because of the malic acid content they contain. While this has to be proven scientifically, malic acid, similar to citric and lactic acid, has a close relation to enamel erosion. In general, these forms of acid are harmful for the teeth. When eating foods high in acid, it is best to rinse your mouth out with water after eating. 

Moreover, some authors also argue that chewing on apples or similar fruits and vegetables creates a natural scrubbing action on the teeth. They say this keeps your teeth clean and white. However, this very action is best done by brushing your teeth and using toothpaste. Brushing your teeth not only cleans your teeth and removes bits of food but also ensures you rinse your mouth from acids or other substances that cause teeth stains.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is also a very popular do-it-yourself natural teeth whitener tip found online. Authors even mix the substance with other ingredients to create your own do-it-yourself teeth whitening paste. We have already discussed how baking soda can safely whiten teeth. Baking soda is a mildly abrasive compound. Rubbing it on your teeth can remove tooth stains. It is also an alkaline compound that helps inhibit bacterial growth. Brushing your teeth with baking soda works as a teeth whitener, but doing it often can harm the enamel. It is best to use toothpaste with baking soda rather than pure baking soda alone.

Teeth Bleaching (Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide)

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide is a natural bleaching agent, and a common ingredient found in bleaching gel, chewing gum, and toothpaste. Using these teeth whiteners lightens the color of the teeth. However, this may lead to tooth sensitivity.

Using popular teeth whitening methods should be taken with precaution.   It is best to consult a dentist before trying a random do-it-yourself hack that you just read about online. In trying out products, be sure to check if it passes federal standards and approval from known and trusted organizations such as the American Dental Association. Still, the best way to naturally keep your teeth white is to avoid foods that stain your teeth. It is best to regularly brush your teeth and maintain a good oral hygiene routine.