Dental Fads to Avoid

Over the past few years, several trends have emerged focusing on oral health. When simple hacks like these are discovered, they’re difficult to ignore, especially the ones that are natural and cost very little. However, it’s important that you remain wary about certain remedies that guarantee fixes, because these “guarantees” can end up causing you more harm than good. Here are four dental fads to avoid in order to protect your teeth.

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

While lemon juice and baking soda are both chemically able to whiten teeth, they both have their own ways of causing harm to your teeth as well. Lemon juice is extremely acidic and exposing your teeth to it can break down the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth that provides protection. Like lemon juice, baking soda should only be used sparingly. It is mostly safe to use, however, it’s not without risks. Frequent use of baking soda also wears down the enamel, which can cause extreme sensitivity. Baking soda also doesn’t contain any fluoride, so it may cause mineral depletion.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is another home remedy for cleaning your teeth. It refers to the practice of swishing sunflower, coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for 20 minutes. Some people say that this method can whiten teeth and freshen breath. While this may be true, some advocates of this method recommended it as a substitute for brushing. This can put you at an even greater risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has been used in oral care since the early 20th century. Despite many teeth whitening procedures and products containing peroxide, it should never be used as a rinse at home. Products with manageable amounts of hydrogen peroxide have been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), however, too much of it can spell disaster for your gums.

Using Charcoal to Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth with charcoal is one of the newer dental fads to avoid, or at least one to be approached with caution. Many people make claims that charcoal is able to draw out the toxins within the body to whiten the teeth. However, the ADA has completely debunked this by saying that dental products with charcoal do not possess this detoxifying ability. Take special care to avoid any unactivated charcoal as it is highly toxic. Activated charcoal, on the other hand, is safe to use, but it can make your teeth more yellow by wearing down the enamel and exposing the dentin.

Looking to test a new oral health trend but you’re unsure on whether or not it’s safe? Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry is happy to answer any questions you have. Dr. Robert D’Alfonso and his team are the central Texas experts in implants, dental reconstruction, veneers, and more. Contact us today!