Your Dream Team for Beautiful Smiles and Faces

Your Dream Team for Beautiful Smiles and Faces

Dentist Chicago IL | The Truth Behind “Natural Whitening” Fads

It seems like there is a new headline nearly every week featuring someone who swears their teeth are whiter and brighter due to their natural home remedy for stain removal. These articles showcase the idea that whitening can be cheap and easy, if in some cases unpleasant. It can be tempting to consider trying for brighter, whiter teeth without investing time and money on in-office or at-home whitening under a dentist’s care. However, before you pin your hopes on one of these “natural whitening” methods, take a look at the truth behind some of the recent fads.

Fad 1: Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been cropping up in headlines for months with claims of a wide variety of potential health benefits. It is a very old folk remedy in which a person swishes a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut, sunflower, olive, etc., in their mouth and between teeth for up to 20 minutes daily.

Despite the number of years this practice has existed and the number of health issues it purports to treat, there is no evidence that oil pulling whitens teeth or improves health.

Fad 2: Fruits

Due to celebrity endorsement, some people have begun to try rubbing mashed strawberries on their teeth to try to achieve a whiter smile. Others are using lemon or orange peels, and still others tout the virtues of eating pineapple or swishing apple cider vinegar.

However, there is no science to support any of these claims. In fact, one recent study found that brushing with a mixture of baking soda (which is known to have whitening effects on teeth) and strawberries did not whiten teeth. Even worse, the citric acids found in all of these fruits and vinegars can actually be harmful to the enamel on your teeth.

Fad 3: Hydrogen Peroxide

While it is true that many forms of in-office and over-the-counter teeth whitening make use of hydrogen peroxide, there is more to consider before opening a bottle. The hydrogen peroxide used in professional teeth whitening, whether in-office or at-home, is mixed with other substances and provided in a form designed for use in teeth whitening.

Simply swishing from a bottle of hydrogen peroxide will have little or no effect on the whiteness of your teeth, but may cause irritation to your gums and mouth and can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.

If you want whiter, brighter teeth, there are safe and effective ways to achieve your goal. Talk with our doctor for a recommendation for what kind of whitening will be best for your needs. For more information about whitening, contact our Chicago dental office.

Dental Dream Team

Phone: (773) 488-3738

Url: https://www.dentaldreamteam.com/

820 East 87th Street Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60619

Leave a Reply

Visit Us

South Side Chicago Dentist
820 East 87th Street Suite 201,
Chicago, IL 60619

Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: By appointment only

Contact Us

Yetta G. McCullom, D.D.S., M.S. (773) 488-3738
Cornell McCullom III, D.D.S., M.D. (773) 488-3738
Robin L. Ferguson, D.D.S., P.C. (773) 488-9075

In The News

South Side Chicago Dentist

  • ABC News
  • WVON - The Talk of Chicago
  • Healthfront
  • WCIU The U
  • WH - The Wellness Hour

Read Our Dental News

South Side Chicago Dentist

Traveling Soon? Don’t Forget Your Teeth | South Side Chicago IL Dentist

Traveling Soon? Don’t Forget Your Teeth | South Side Chicago IL Dentist

Maintaining a regular schedule can be difficult when you travel. For many people, brushing and flossing can seem time-consuming. If you are traveling on business…

Read More >
November 15, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist
Healthy Gums With One Special Tool | South Side Chicago Dentist

Healthy Gums With One Special Tool | South Side Chicago Dentist

Loss of teeth, bad breath, and bleeding gums are among the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. It can, however, start without any noticeable symptoms.…

Read More >
November 01, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist
Healthy Gums for Seniors | South Side Chicago Dentist

Healthy Gums for Seniors | South Side Chicago Dentist

Gum health is one of the most important things to remember for seniors. Your risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease increases with age. The good…

Read More >
October 15, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist