There have been many viral trends and fads that promised healthier, whiter, and stronger teeth.
There have been many viral trends and fads that promised healthier, whiter, and stronger teeth. But rarely do any of these trends actually improve the health of your teeth. Even techniques that appear healthy on the surface might be doing irreparable damage inside your mouth. Here are some popular dental trends you should avoid.
Brushing with Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a common substance that recently broke the Internet as a teeth whitening option. This substance is highly absorbent and capable of removing toxins from other substances. At first glance, activated charcoal teeth whitener whitens and brightens your teeth. However, the charcoal erodes your tooth enamel over time. There are safer and better ways to whiten your teeth safely.
Brushing with Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Baking soda and lemon juice have also been touted as a teeth whitening solution in the same vein as activated charcoal. Baking soda is praised for its cleaning abilities, and many toothpaste brands include it in their formulas. Lately, it has become trendy to mix baking soda with lemon juice to remove stains and whiten teeth. However, baking soda is aggressive and can wear away tooth enamel, especially when combined with the acid in lemon juice.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a method where you swish oil, usually coconut or sunflower oil, around your mouth for 20 minutes. This practice can allegedly freshen your breath and whiten your teeth. But it should never be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing. Doing so can put you at risk for developing gum disease and tooth decay since oil pulling does not remove bacteria as efficiently as brushing and flossing can.
Rinsing with Hydrogen Peroxide
Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide is a popular home remedy for whitening teeth and reducing gum inflammation. Some people even swear by gargling with hydrogen peroxide to heal a sore throat. Because it is a disinfectant, there is some support that hydrogen peroxide is effective for oral care. However, rinsing and gargling with hydrogen peroxide can irritate your gums. And, accidentally swallowing it can be harmful.
Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
Fluoride is a substance that naturally prevents cavities by strengthening enamel. It can be found in toothpaste and mouthwash. However, there is a recent trend of using fluoride-free toothpaste. But, experts say that fluoride-free toothpaste may increase your risk for cavities. Fluoride is an essential ingredient in healthy oral care.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HAPPY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!