The internet is home to a plethora of do-it-yourself ideas, claiming at-home solutions to problems everywhere from your house to your health! We advise strongly against most of the home remedies that claim to better your smile. Read on for examples of dental fads and at home remedies to avoid.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You may have heard claims of the healing powers of apple cider vinegar. Some believe that the liquid can help with digestion, weight loss, acne, and more. While that may be true, the idea that apple cider vinegar is an elixir for your teeth is a dangerous one. While it’s possible that the vinegar may help in removing stains from teeth, the irreversible damage it can do to enamel is not worth the risk.
Lemon & Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common ingredient in toothpaste because of its whitening power. Lemon boosts the whitening effects of baking soda. But when it comes to your teeth, the benefits are outweighed by the risks. Like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice will eat away at your enamel, resulting in a permanent loss. Claims that the baking soda neutralizes the lemon juice enough to prevent damaging impact are unfounded, so don’t take your chances. Talk to us about safe options if you’re looking to whiten your smile!
Oil Pulling
Coconut oil is everywhere these days. You may use it in your hair or in your food, but on your teeth? Oil pulling, commonly performed with coconut oil, is an ancient tradition that claims fantastic results on your oral health. While oil pulling is rooted in tradition and proven to yield some results, the fact that it has been touted by some as an alternative to brushing and flossing is troublesome.
Charcoal
These days, charcoal isn’t just for the grill; charcoal toothpaste has been popping up left and right. As with the other trends on this list, it’s better to skip this one. Charcoal toothpaste claims to whiten teeth and improve your overall oral health, but it comes at the risk of enamel erosion that’ll last you a lifetime.
We Want to Help You Love Your Smile!
Don’t take your chances with at home remedies when it comes to your teeth–you only get one pair! Keeping your teeth in great shape can be simple: daily brush and floss your teeth, and regularly come visit us here at Simply Smile Family Dentistry. Contact us today to schedule your next convenient appointment.
