Do it yourself remedies have had a resurgence in popularity with moves toward “cleaner,” organic, and healthier products. While the movement may not have ill intentions, the effects of DIY remedies, especially when related to your dental health or whitening your teeth, can have dangerous effects. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX, dentist will explain some of the dangers of do it yourself and “natural” teeth whitening solutions, and why you should always consult your dentist before trying any at home dental treatments.

Oil Pulling

Of all of the at home remedies we will list today, oil pulling (the act of swishing oil, usually coconut oil, around in your mouth for twenty minutes) is probably the least harmful, because it doesn’t actually do anything. Oil won’t erode your teeth, but there are also no scientific studies that prove it will whiten your teeth, so all you are really doing is moving fat around in your mouth for no benefit.

Baking Soda and Charcoal

Baking soda and activated charcoal have become increasingly common ingredients in toothpaste in the past few years as alternatives to fluoride. Interestingly, fluoride is often cited as being a harmful chemical, when in actuality it occurs in nature in water supplies, rocks, soil, and many other places. While it (along with pretty much any other substance) could be harmful in large doses, in the small amounts you are exposed to in dental hygiene products and drinking water it helps to prevent tooth decay and can even rebuild teeth that have already begun to decay. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for baking soda or charcoal. These two substances are incredibly abrasive, meaning that, yes, they may scrub some stains from the outer layer of your teeth (though there have been no proven studies about charcoal having any whitening benefits), but that is because they are scrubbing away your enamel, leaving you at a much higher risk for cavities and tooth sensitivity.

Lemon, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Hydrogen Peroxide

Much like how charcoal and baking soda can scrub away your enamel, acidic substances like lemon and vinegar as well as the chemical compound hydrogen peroxide can actually erode the enamel on your teeth and irritate your gums. If you only have surface stains, the erosion could get rid of them, at the expense of exposing the softer layer of dentin beneath your enamel and causing you discomfort and a high likelihood of decay. Additionally, many stains go deeper than the enamel, where many at home remedies cannot reach at all and where others would even more significantly damage the structure of your teeth with repeated use.

Consulting Your Dentist Is the Best Option

If you are considering at home whitening treatments, even those available over the counter in drugstores, you should always consult with your dentist first. The negative effects can far outweigh the positive, and lead to much larger issues than just stained teeth. To schedule a consultation, contact the Dental Centre of Conroe by calling (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe, TX, and the neighboring communities.