03 May

Dentists share their tips on natural whitening solutions

shutterstock_604554743If you’re a fan of social media or you like to keep up to date with health trends, you may be aware that natural whitening methods like charcoal have hit the headlines numerous times of late. There seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there when it comes to tooth whitening remedies that actually work, so two leading dentists have taken the time to share their tips online.
Charcoal may seem like a very odd choice when it comes to trying to whiten and brighten the tooth surface. However, if you read testimonials on websites like Instagram and YouTube, you may be surprised at the potential results. Dr Richard Marques suggests that using charcoal in its activated form can help to whiten the teeth, as it is capable of drawing toxins out from the mouth and removing stains; however, Dr Adam Thorne suggests that using charcoal can increase the risk of enamel damage. Dr Thorne also claimed that there is no substantial evidence to back up claims that charcoal is an effective natural whitener.
If you’re fan of strawberries and you want whiter teeth, there is good news from the dentists. The rough surface of the strawberry’s skin acts as a natural stain remover and the malic acid contained within the strawberry also helps to shift stains. The riper the strawberry, the better. Dr Thorne recommends rubbing the surface of the strawberry against the enamel in the same way as you’d apply a scrub to exfoliate your face.
Both dentists also recommend oil pulling using coconut oil as a means of whitening the teeth naturally. You can use the oil as a mouthwash, gently swishing it around your mouth for 1-2 minutes.
Although green tea has benefits for your health due to its high antioxidant content, it cannot whiten the teeth contrary to what articles you may have come across suggest. Dr Thorne actually warns against green tea for whitening, as it contains staining agents known as tannins.