At Smile Boutique Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening in MA so you can have the dazzling smile you always wanted. Although our teeth whitening methods are all very effective, they can also be pricey. To avoid the price tag of a professional treatment, some people look into or try natural teeth whitening methods. You’ve probably come across a few and maybe even thought about trying one yourself. But are these methods effective? More importantly, are they safe?
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular natural teeth whitening methods and whether or not you should try them.
Baking Soda, Activated Charcoal, or Turmeric
Most people know about baking soda or activated charcoal for teeth whitening, but we’re including turmeric in this section because they all use the same method. Baking soda, activated charcoal, and turmeric are all available in powdered form, and you can combine any of them with water to make a paste and use it like toothpaste. In fact, you can find commercially available toothpastes with baking soda or activated charcoal as active ingredients.
The evidence that any of these methods work to whiten teeth is anecdotal at best. Both baking soda and activated charcoal are abrasive and so can remove surface stains, but they can also damage your tooth enamel if you use them excessively. Turmeric powder may also remove surface stains, but its orange color can temporarily stain your teeth or cause yellowing.
Acidic Fruit
Acids found in certain foods, particularly fruits, can break down residue on the surface of teeth that causes stains. Citrus, pineapple, mango, strawberries, and apples all contain acids, and eating them has been suggested as a way to whiten teeth. While there’s nothing wrong with adding these foods into your diet, there’s no scientific evidence that they will whiten your teeth. The excessive consumption of acidic foods can actually erode tooth enamel, so we don’t recommend this as a method to whiten your teeth.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a naturally occurring antibacterial agent, and people commonly use it as a non-toxic cleaner. You can also use it as a mouthwash to whiten teeth by mixing equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water. However, its effectiveness is limited, and using hydrogen peroxide as mouthwash can cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation if you use it incorrectly.
Professional Teeth Whitening MA | Smile Boutique
If you want whiter teeth, you should come to Smile Boutique Dental for teeth whitening in MA. If you’re concerned about the price, we offer multiple methods for both at-home and in-office treatments, so we’ll find an option that works for your budget.