We’ve all seen the 30 seconds teeth whitening hacks trending on Tiktok, IG, etc. While they may look interesting, most of these “tips” aren’t really based in good science and can end up damaging your teeth! They need to stop ASAP!
So let’s go over 3 whitening trends that just need to stop.
- Charcoal Toothpaste / Tooth Powder
I’ve talked about charcoal toothpaste many times before. These days every other ad on Instagram is about influencers using charcoal toothpaste for an “all natural bright smile”; and if you decide to gander at the oral hygiene isle of you local pharmacy / drugstore, you will see countless options for charcoal pastes and powders. Unfortunately, activated charcoal is just not good for your teeth.
Charcoal is very abrasive. Yes, technically an abrasive substance can whiten your teeth but it is doing so by filling away your enamel. Imagine removing the stains on your teeth with a sand paper. It’ll get rid of the stain by removing layers of your enamel.
Once that enamel layer is gone, it’s gone forever and will not grow back. This also exposes the yellow dentin layer underneath your enamel. As a result, your teeth will end up having an overall yellow appearance and you will likely experience tooth sensitivity. In short, it will be bad news for your teeth health and appearance!
2. Brushing with Strawberries
Somehow these tasty summer berries have found their way out of kitchen and into the pile of “trendy” teeth whitening routines! The idea behind this hack is when you brush your teeth with strawberries, the acid in the fruit will break down the stains and whiten your teeth.
The reality however is different. Strawberry is very acidic (PH of 3 – 3.5). When you eat strawberries, your saliva helps neutralize the acidity of the fruit and cleanse your teeth. But rubbing strawberries into your teeth with a toothbrush is a different story and can lead to enamel erosion.
If you’ve tried this trend and noticed that your teeth looked brighter, it is because you brushed your teeth and removed the plaque on them and not because you used strawberries! Skip this trend and rely and on the good ol’ brushing, flossing and whitening strips if you’re looking to whiten your teeth on a budget.
3. Brushing with Tumeric
Yet again another DIY whitening trend that almost sounds like it will work but doesn’t. The turmeric that you grab from the spice isle of your local grocery store is coarse and meant for cooking. At best, it doesn’t do anything other than giving your teeth a yellow-ish hue and at worst, you might end up thinning your enamel over time. So please skip this one!
Bottom line
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth at home, try your best to go about it safely. One of the best options for at home whitening on a budget is whitening strips (like crest strips). They’re safe and will actually whiten your teeth! Try to stay away from hacks that jus sound too good to be true and as always take care of your teeth 🙂
Happy whitening!
Saba, RDH