With the mass of information available to us daily on the internet, it can be easy to get swept up in new trends in health and wellness. It’s important to use caution when thinking of trying new ways to care for your teeth, without a dentist’s supervision. Just because a solution is labeled “natural” or “organic” doesn’t mean it’s best for your teeth. Here are a few dental fads you might want to avoid if you want to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.

Charcoal Toothpaste

It’s all the rage on social media sites, touting charcoal’s abilities to turn teeth bright white after turning them black. But charcoal is extremely abrasive and has not been proven to be safe or effective as a tooth cleaner. We recommend sticking to gentler versions of whitening toothpaste if you’re looking to brighten your smile. If you want to whiten your smile, call us to inquire about teeth whitening treatments, which are safe and more effective. There’s no need to clean teeth with charcoal.

“Natural” Teeth Whitening with Fruit

When combined with baking soda, fruits like strawberries and lemons have been used to create a paste for teeth whitening. Although this tactic is somewhat effective and natural, it can be harmful to your teeth’s enamel. Baking soda is extremely abrasive, and should only be used in very small amounts if at all. Lemon is acidic and can weaken teeth by breaking down enamel. Strawberry seeds are also very harsh to teeth. Although all of these things might cause whitening effects at first, if the enamel is damaged it will lead to teeth looking more yellowish over time, as the dentin is revealed.

Oil Pulling

Many have sung the praises of oil pulling, a practice of swishing the mouth with coconut or other oils to cleanse and freshen breath. Although this technique isn’t harmful on its own, if you’re using it as a substitute for brushing and flossing, you’re doing more harm than good. Always keep up with your daily dental routine.

Rinsing with Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is potent and can be harmful to gums when used in large amounts. It is not recommended that you rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide. Instead, choose a safe, dentist recommended mouthwash containing similar antibacterial properties. Please do contact us if you’re curious about new dental trends and whether you should try them. We recommend the tried and true rituals of brushing and flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet for healthy teeth. If you’re eager to experiment with new methods, we want to hear about it! Contact Us