A DENTIST has revealed the whitening hacks you should stop trying, some of which are harmful.
The internet is full of extreme ways to whiten your skin teeth at home, including covering teeth in lemon juice, coconut oil, and even purple shampoo.
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dr. Khaled Kasem, chief orthodontist at leading European orthodontics retailer Impress, said: “Most DIY whitening hacks are complete fads.
“Some are not only dangerous to your health, but they also don’t contain the ingredients to remove deep-seated stains that cause your teeth to turn yellow.
“If you’re hoping to get a brighter, whiter smile, it’s always best to check with your dentist before trying anything.
“As with regular health, don’t take dental advice on social media from someone who isn’t qualified to give it.
“Do-it-yourself tricks can be dangerous and cause damage to your tooth enamel, something that just can’t be undone.”
The worst hacks…
1. Purple Shampoo
puppy shampoo is used by people with dyed blond hair to prevent their locks from turning coppery.
dr. Khaled said, “Perhaps the most unusual is the idea that purple shampoo whitens your teeth.
“The idea behind it is simple: violet tint cancels out yellow tones on your teeth, creating an immediate but temporary whitening effect.
“However, we always maintain that shampoo should not come near your mouth, because ingesting it can not only have serious consequences for your health, but also not have the desired effects, so it becomes pointless!
“The ingredients in shampoo won’t remove deep-seated stains that cause your teeth to yellow and will do more harm than good.”
2. Lemon juice
Lemon juice – how harmful can it be?
We will, lemons are rich in citric acid“a natural bleach used on fabrics, hair and skin”.
dr. However, Khaled cautioned: “While it can remove stains and lighten teeth in the short term, lemons are just too acidic to stay on the surface of your teeth.
“When it’s on your teeth, the enamel that protects your teeth starts to wear off, and as the layer wears off, you increase your risk of tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.”
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is another natural kitchen ingredient that works wonders for health.
But when it comes to teeth, it’s best to put the spice down.
dr. Khaled said: “While it helps remove plaque, bacteria and inflammation, it’s not as effective at removing stains.
“In fact, the dark orange color lends itself to discoloring your teeth more if you don’t clean them properly.”
The better options…
While most teeth whitening hacks are bullshit, some are a little more science-backed.
coconut oil
dr. Khaled said: “coconut oil is another popular method of teeth whitening.
“An edible oil that people swirl around their mouths, there are claims that coconut oil provides tremendous benefits for your teeth, such as healthier gums, plaque removal and a reduction in bacteria, which will give your mouth a fresher and cleaner appearance.”
dr. Khaled said there is “no real evidence to suggest it is effective at reducing deep-set spots”.
But you can take comfort in the fact that it does not harm the tooth.
Cucumber, kiwi and lemon juice
“Another trend that TikTok has adopted is the idea that cucumber, kiwi, and lemon juice can dull the stain in your teeth,” Dr Khaled said.
“The idea behind the brew is that kiwis are packed with calcium, which helps neutralize acids and improve enamel health, while cucumbers freshen your breath.”
Lemon juice alone has already been debunked by Dr Khaled as a risky method of teeth whitening.
And he said this mix “may seem effective for a few hours, but it’s only a temporary solution for removing surface stains.”
He added, “Using these ingredients will not remove deep-set stains that cause your teeth to yellow.”
The best options…
To get a visibly brighter smile, bleaching agent is needed in the form of teeth whitening.
Professional teeth whitening is also the only way to treat tooth discoloration – which may look like stains, but is actually deeper in the tooth.
dr. Khaled said: “If you’re hoping to get a brighter, whiter smile, it’s best to see a dentist, as they have special programs that can alter the natural color of your teeth, rather than just removing surface stains.
“It may be more expensive, but it’s your safest and most effective option.”