In your quest to achieve a brighter, whiter smile, you’ve probably encountered a slew of advice, life hacks, and home remedies to try. But are any of these DIY teeth whitening methods actually effective? More importantly, are they safe? In this blog post, we’ll evaluate five of these treatments to determine whether they provide oral health benefits.
Why Are My Teeth Yellow?
Before we get into some of the most popular DIY teeth whitening methods, let’s talk about what causes teeth to become yellow or discolored. Understanding the causes of yellowing is key to knowing how to treat it.
One of the biggest contributors to teeth discoloration is enamel thinning. Your teeth’s outer layer is made of enamel, which is off-white in color. Underneath the enamel is the dentin layer, which is yellowish brown. When the enamel wears away or thins, the dentin can show through, making teeth appear darker.
Another significant cause of discoloration is surface stains. Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and soda, can stain the teeth. Smoking, tobacco products, and some medications can also cause stains.
Method #1: Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing olive, coconut, sesame, vegetable, or sunflower oil around your mouth for 15–20 minutes. While there isn’t a lot of clinical research about the effects of oil pulling, this practice seems to reduce bacteria and plaque, improve gum health, and alleviate bad breath. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it’s an effective DIY teeth whitening treatment.
If you’d like to read more about oil pulling, check out one of our previous blog posts, “Oil Pulling for Enhanced Oral Health: Fact or Fiction?”
Method #2: Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Brushing with baking soda has shown to be an effective way to gently polish away surface stains. It’s not too abrasive, making it a safe way to whiten your teeth. It may also fight bacteria, suggesting that it can reduce plaque buildup and help prevent tooth decay.
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach, which means that it can brighten teeth. However, it can increase tooth sensitivity, so it’s not suitable for individuals who have sensitive teeth. If you’re looking for an effective DIY teeth whitening method, try bruising with a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Don’t overdo it, though — this treatment is best used occasionally.
Method #3: Lemon Juice
You may have heard that brushing or rinsing with lemon juice can whiten your teeth. However, in reality, this DIY teeth whitening method does more harm than good. Lemon juice is incredibly acidic, which means it can cause some serious damage.
As the acid erodes your tooth enamel, your teeth will become more sensitive and cavity-prone. Plus, when the underlying dentin layer is exposed, your teeth can appear yellower, defeating the purpose of this treatment. Drinking an occasional lemonade or eating a lemon tart shouldn’t have any adverse effects on your oral health, but when it comes to DIY teeth whitening, it’s best to skip the lemon juice.
Method #4: Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has taken the wellness and cosmetics world by storm due to its ability to absorb and remove toxins. But do its benefits extend to the world of DIY teeth whitening? Charcoal toothpaste products claim to be able to brighten your pearly whites, but in reality, it doesn’t work any better than regular toothpaste.
While more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of using charcoal toothpaste, the outlook isn’t great. Most charcoal toothpaste doesn’t contain fluoride, which is necessary to protect your teeth against cavities and decay. It may also be too abrasive for everyday use. Plus, the charcoal may accumulate in the cracks and crevices of older teeth or dental restorations, making them appear gray or discolored.
Method #5: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy for everything from acne treatment to sunburn relief. While it can have a bleaching effect on teeth, undiluted apple cider vinegar can also weaken your tooth enamel. It’s very acidic, with a similar pH to lemon juice. If you decide to use apple cider vinegar in your DIY teeth whitening efforts, you should use it sparingly, diluting it with water to create a mouthwash.
Professional vs. DIY Teeth Whitening
While certain DIY teeth whitening methods can help remove surface stains, they often come with negative effects, as well. For best results, choose professional teeth whitening treatments instead. At Eric Felt DDS, we use the highly effective Opalescence take-home kit proven to safely brighten your smile. For more information about how we can help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
