DIY teeth whitening might sound easy, cheap, and “all-natural,” but many whitening “hacks” can do more harm than good. While it’s tempting to try household remedies for a brighter smile, these methods often damage your teeth and gums. Continue reading to look at some popular at-home whitening tricks and why dentists recommend staying far away from them.
Charcoal Toothpaste
Charcoal toothpaste is all over social media, promising dazzling results. But activated charcoal is highly abrasive. Over time, it wears away your enamel—the protective outer layer of your teeth.
And once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back, leaving teeth sensitive and more prone to cavities. If you’ve been using this method for a while, it’s time to toss the tube!
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another gritty substance that supposedly scrubs stains. But even though it’s used in professional treatments, without the proper levels and application it can erode enamel just like charcoal. This is especially true if it’s used frequently or with too much pressure.
The worst part about using baking soda is that as your enamel gets thinner, your teeth may start to dull, not brighten. So, it’s best to leave this idea on the shelf.
Lemon Juice
It’s citrusy, it’s natural, and it’s terrible for your teeth. Lemon juice is extremely acidic, and acid weakens and erodes enamel. Using lemon juice in any whitening mix (especially combined with baking soda, which is popular) can seriously damage your teeth in just a few uses.
Oil Pulling
Many online health gurus swear that swishing coconut oil around your mouth will make your teeth feel cleaner. But will it actually whiten them? Not likely. There’s little scientific evidence that oil pulling removes deep stains or brightens enamel. At best, it’s harmless. At worst, it gives you false hope and no results.
Over-the-Counter Options
Store-bought whitening strips can work, but they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Using them too often or leaving them on too long can cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and even uneven whitening. Always follow the instructions, and if in doubt, talk to your dentist first.
DIY whitening methods can seem harmless, but many are ineffective or even dangerous for your teeth. For safe, lasting results, professional whitening is always your best bet. Dentists use custom-fitted trays and professional-grade solutions designed to whiten your smile while protecting your enamel and gums. Don’t be tempted to take the easy road, it could cost you your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Mitchell is a passionate dentist with a dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry. He is one of the few dentists in Texas who has been inducted as both a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the Crown Council. Today, he continues to improve his skills through educational endeavors to provide the highest quality of dental care. Call (972) 233-1311 to schedule a teeth whitening at North Dallas Cosmetic Dentistry or visit our website to learn more.
