Natural teeth whitening methods – do they work? Is it worth using them?

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Teeth whitening with natural methods is a home alternative to specialist treatments in dental offices. Is it effective? The more important question may be the question of safety and the effect of natural whitening methods on the enamel. So how do home remedies affect the condition of the teeth and mouth?

What is natural teeth whitening?

Natural teeth whitening methods are based on food products and substances such as activated carbon. Some of them can support oral hygiene by removing discoloration caused by drinking coffee and tea or smoking. Unfortunately, such action is often based on abrasive properties, which also lead to damage to the enamel. Additional consequence of using natural whitening there may be tooth and gum sensitivity development.

How do natural teeth whitening methods work?

  1. Active carbon. It comes in the form of a powder that you use to brush your teeth several times a week. There is no confirmed research on its effectiveness in the whitening process, but its overuse creates a risk of gingival hypersensitivity. There is also no guarantee that it will not wear off the enamel. Activated carbon can be found in some toothpastes.
  2. Turmeric. This spice with antibacterial properties is sometimes recommended as a natural way to whiten your teeth by brushing your teeth with its powdered version. The result of using homemade turmeric paste may be a yellow discoloration of tooth fillings or orthodontic appliances.
  3. Baking soda. All-round soda or baking powder have an abrasive effect and can remove deposits on the surface of the teeth, evening out their color. The negative aspect of this solution is the serious risk of serious damage to the enamel or its complete abrasion.
  4. Apple vinegar. The acidic pH of apple cider vinegar will help to dissolve plaque, while also weakening and softening the enamel. This natural whitening method poses a great threat to the condition of the protective surface of the teeth and leads to a significant increase in the sensitivity of the teeth to external factors.
  5. Fruit. A popular way to whiten your teeth naturally is with fruits such as strawberries, lemons, orange peels, and bananas. Rubbing your teeth with fruits containing citric acid will gradually reduce the durability of the enamel. Sugar is also detrimental to the teeth.
  6. Salt. Another natural method of whitening is rubbing the teeth with salt, which – like other home remedies in this group – leads to damage and causes hypersensitivity.
  7. Coconut oil. Compared to other substances used in natural teeth whitening, coconut oil is distinguished by its safety of use. It is used in the form of a rinse, which should be used regularly for several months. Coconut oil is antibacterial and soothes the symptoms of mouth ulcers. It therefore supports daily hygiene, which can reduce plaque build-up and the formation of discoloration. More effective and long-lasting tooth care can therefore make your teeth brighter.

Removal of plaque from the surface of the teeth can be done quickly and without the negative side effects mentioned in most of the above-mentioned natural methods. It is enough to go to the dentist for an oral cavity hygiene treatment and undergo sandblasting or scaling, which is effective in removing tartar.

To effectively lighten your teeth, you need to remember about:

  1. preparation for teeth whitening;
  2. sandblasting of teeth;
  3. white diet.

Natural methods – to use or not?

In addition to natural methods, whitening preparations for use at home are also popular. Bleaching lotions and toothpastes usually do not produce visible results because they are designed to be maintained whitening effect after professional treatments. While they may aid in daily oral hygiene and the removal of superficial food deposits, they are not products that can achieve a noticeable change in the shade of the teeth. The mentioned methods are also not effective in the case of root canal treated teeth.

Due to the risks associated with the use of natural whitening methods, it is safer for the teeth to avoid them. Any damage can lead to unpleasant consequences, since the enamel does not have the ability to regenerate. Effective ways of whitening living and dead teeth are offered by cosmetic dentistry offices. Such treatments may, in rare cases, be accompanied by side effects and it is necessary to learn about any contraindications to their use.

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