Macauluy Culkin

Do those DIY teeth whitening kits actually work?

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Darren Wolfgang Profile
Darren Wolfgang answered

I would think these are the best remedies to try to whiten the teeth

These Whitening kits such as DIY don't always work as good.

Rinsing with Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can bleach hair, so why can’t it be effective in bleaching teeth? The thought of swishing with hydrogen peroxide may sound gross, but the approach is nonetheless common.

The verdict: Hydrogen peroxide does have inherent bleaching ability, but at a 3 percent concentration (what you normally find when you use it for cleaning wounds), you’ll need months before seeing a difference in your smile and possibly suffer gum and teeth irritation in the meantime. Any stronger concentration in liquid form is bad for your mouth. Products specifically made for tooth whitening (with or without peroxide) are generally safer and more effective.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a popular tooth whitening agent, often added to commercial toothpastes and oral health products. People will also combine baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or lemon juice to create their own DIY toothpaste.

The verdict: Baking soda is abrasive, meaning it can damage your teeth over time. Plus, the whitening abilities aren’t what they’re cracked up to be—you might be disappointed with the results—and only the top layers of stains are removed. Baking soda can also affect the glue holding orthodontia (e.g. Bridges) in place.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Some people swear by apple cider vinegar as a remedy for everything, including removing stains from teeth. Swish some in your mouth daily, and over time (a long time), your smile could improve.

The verdict: Apple cider vinegar is incredibly acidic, so any tooth whitening can be offset by damage to your teeth. People who use this method need to dilute the vinegar, but even then, it’s not the greatest thing for your teeth.

Coconut Oil

Another popular DIY remedy for teeth whitening and other health issues is coconut oil. Again, this method involves swishing a little bit of oil in your mouth, usually every morning.

The verdict: The idea with coconut oil is that it can improve overall oral health, but no scientific evidence has emerged that says it will lead to whiter teeth (or even remove plaque). There’s no evidence that it will hurt your teeth, either—just don’t expect significant results.

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