DIY dental trends: are they effective?

Everyone wants whiter teeth, but withdraws their interest at the mention of a fair charge for the service.

As a result, many netizens have shared their own tips and tricks to achieve whiter teeth without breaking the bank.However, the problem is that these whitening alternatives may not be as safe as you think, according to experts. 

Charcoal Toothpaste

(c) Instyle

This trend involves using activated charcoal — the same one which you can get as a capsule or as a powder — mixing it with water to create a paste, then using it as a toothpaste alternative when brushing the teeth.

The belief is that charcoal will absorb the material from soda, coffee, and tea which stains the teeth. Another often-repeated belief is that it can also eliminate all the toxic bacteria in the mouth, the main culprit for bad breath.

Dentists claim, though, that activated charcoal may be too abrasive for the teeth, so it may actually end up damaging it.

Fruit Peels

(c) Trend Crown

This act involves rubbing orange and banana peels on your teeth to remove any stains.

While banana peels may be harmless, dentists warn against acidic fruits which may still contain acid that can damage the tooth’s enamel.

Oil-Pulling

(c) Oil Pulling

This weird phenomenon involves using vegetable oil as a sort of mouthwash.

This trend stems from the traditional Hindu system of medicine, which encourages the use of herbs and the like.

The belief is that the antimicrobial properties in oil bind to the toxins in the mouth so you can later on spit it out.

Dentists have said there is no clear downside in this trend, but there it is by no means an alternative to have whiter teeth and fresher breath.