If you’ve done a bit of Googling to find DIY, at-home teeth whitening methods, you may not be sure which ones work, and which ones may harm your teeth. In fact, some popular DIY teeth whitening methods don’t whiten your teeth at all, and could actually permanently damage your teeth.
The team at Seaglass Dental is experienced in cosmetic teeth whitening methods and can help you understand the top DIY teeth whitening methods you should avoid.
1. Aluminum Foil, Baking Soda, & Salt
Plenty of websites out there claim that this is a great way to whiten your teeth, but it’s not. This treatment involves mixing salt, baking soda, and water to make a “whitening paste” that you apply to a sheet of foil. Then, you’re supposed to fold the foil over your teeth and leave it in place for an hour.
This method of whitening is completely ineffective. There are no scientific studies that show baking soda can whiten teeth. In fact, abrasives like baking soda can damage your enamel with prolonged contact.
Not only that, but biting down on foil can actually cause tooth pain, particularly if you have multiple metal fillings or crowns. This is because foil acts as a conductor, stimulating nerve endings in your teeth, and leading to a sensation of pain.
2. Lemon And Baking Soda
In this home remedy, you’re supposed to mix lemon juice and baking soda with a small amount of water to create a gritty paste, then rub it onto your teeth. Then, you’re supposed to rinse after 10 minutes and brush your teeth.
Again, there is absolutely no proof that lemon and baking soda help to whiten your teeth. Lemon juice is extremely high in citric acid. This acid, combined with the abrasive baking soda, will wear down your enamel and increase your risk of tooth decay.
In addition, brushing after your teeth are exposed to acid from lemon juice can weaken them, further damaging your teeth. Do not use this method. It’s totally ineffective, and can permanently damage your teeth.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
This method instructs users to simply dab a paper towel or cloth into some apple cider vinegar, and rub the liquid into your teeth for a few minutes. Wait about 10 minutes, and brush your teeth normally. Repeat daily, and your teeth will gradually become whiter.
Except they won’t. Again, vinegar has no proven ability to whiten teeth. And, like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar is very acidic and weakens your teeth. If you brush your teeth after applying apple cider vinegar, you will wear down your enamel prematurely. You should not attempt to use this DIY teeth whitening method.
What’s The Best Option For Whitening My Teeth?
So, if these DIY methods can be dangerous and are ineffective, you may be wondering what the best option is for whitening your teeth. Professional whitening from a cosmetic Dentist N Palm Beach is the safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth. If you’re in North Palm Beach, your best option is to see Dr. Jared Schmitt for professional in-office teeth whitening or a custom-built take-home whitening kit from Seaglass Dental Care.
If you really want to use an at-home DIY whitening kit, make sure you choose one with clinically-proven results and ADA approval, such as Crest Whitestrips. While you won’t get the same powerful results with a DIY kit as you would with professional treatment, ADA-approved DIY kits are safe to use.
Contact Us Now For A Cosmetic Consultation
If you’d like to whiten your teeth, Dr. Jared Schmitt is here to help with professional in-office and take-home whitening services. Contact us now at (561) 581-5001 to schedule your consultation, or stop by our office at 384 Northlake Blvd, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 to make an appointment in person.
