When it comes to whitening your teeth, there are so many different methods you can find online and even in magazines.  Oil pulling, charcoal, turmeric…..the DIY whitening is on everyone’s mind.  When asked by the American Academy of Cosmetics, the most likely thing people want to improve is their smile, having whiter teeth. #smilewithconfidence

Having a healthy smile comes in many shades.  Its tempting to think ingredients in our own kitchens can hold the key to having a brighter smile.  Here is the thing.  Just because a method is natural does not mean it’s healthy.  Often DIY whitening can do more harm than good to your teeth.   San Tan Valley AZ Teeth Whitening

Fiction or Fact

Fruits: 

Here is the fiction.  Using this approach says you can make your teeth whiter and brighter by using household staples that are naturally acidic (lemons, oranges, apple cider vinegar) and something that is abrasive (baking soda). #martindental

Fact:  When eaten like normal, fruit is a great choice.  But fruit and vinegar contain acid, and this acid puts your pearly whites at risk when prolong contact occurs with your teeth or even when you use them to scrub your teeth.  The acid wears away at your enamel.  The enamel is the thin outer coating of the teeth and it is what protects you from tooth sensitivity and cavities. 

Scrubs:

Fiction:  Method claims that scrubbing your teeth with ingredients like activated charcoal or baking soda-hydrogen peroxide paste will bring the shine back.  San Tan Valley AZ Teeth Whitening

Fact:  There is ZERO evidence that shows dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for your teeth.  Also, using anything that is abrasive on your teeth can actually make them look MORE yellow.  If the scrub is too rough, you can wear the enamel away.  The layer under the enamel is a softer and more yellow tissue, the dentin.