Dentist reveals what to do instead of ‘harmful’ teeth whitening trend

In the age of dating apps and social media, many of us feel more self-conscious than ever about the color of our teeth.

About 37 million people in the U.S. used teeth whiteners as of 2020, according to U.S. Census data, with Americans spending billions of dollars every year on home whitening products. The #teethwhitening topic has been used over 300,000 times on TikTok, but could these home remedies be doing more harm than good?

Newsweek spoke with cosmetic dentist and social media star Joyce Kahng, @joycethedentistto learn.

“A common set of misconceptions surrounds the realm of teeth whitening, fueled in part by trends and misinformation, particularly visible on platforms like TikTok,” Kahng said. Newsweek.

Kahng highlighted four particularly misleading trends: “For starters, using natural remedies like turmeric to whiten teeth is wrong. Despite its popularity, there is no scientific support for turmeric as a whitening agent, and its bright yellow color certainly does not indicate it will it was effective.

“Another trend is to use coconut oil, which, although it can make teeth cleaner, has no scientific evidence to support any real whitening effect. Similarly, charcoal-based products are often thought to be beneficial for teeth whitening While charcoal is indeed abrasive and can remove surface stains, its abrasiveness can be too harsh on teeth.

“Additionally, there is a tendency to use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. Although hydrogen peroxide is a whitening agent, at this concentration, it is both too weak for effective whitening and potentially harmful to the gums if not diluted. It is important to remember that whitening products should be used in a targeted manner, rather than being applied indiscriminately throughout the mouth.’

So if you want that celebrity smile, what should you do to whiten your teeth? First, it is important to understand that there are different types of tooth staining.

“When it comes to teeth whitening, we’re basically dealing with two types of stains: extrinsic and intrinsic,” Kahng said. “Extrinsic stains are those on the outer surface of the teeth, usually caused by substances such as coffee and tea. These can often be removed during dental cleanings, so teeth can appear noticeably brighter after such appointments.

Teeth whitening toothpastes are primarily designed to target these types of surface stains. “They are useful not only for removing stains, but also for preventing new ones from forming,” Kahng said. “However, if extrinsic stains are not treated early, they can penetrate deeper into the teeth and become intrinsic stains.

“Intrinsic stains are embedded within the tooth and require stronger treatments to break them down, such as peroxide-based products such as whitening strips or gels. So while tooth-whitening toothpastes can be effective for surface stains, they don’t the color of the tooth from the inside.”

Some whitening toothpastes can actually damage teeth if they’re too abrasive, so it’s always best to check with your dentist if you’re unsure about which products to use. That includes some charcoal toothpastes, which Kahng said can be overly abrasive.

“[However,]by applying proper brushing techniques, with gentle strokes and without excessive pressure, even toothpastes that have a higher abrasiveness can be used safely according to recommended guidelines,” Kahng said.

With that in mind, what does Kahng use to maintain her pearly whites? “For daily maintenance, I prefer to use a whitening toothpaste that has a medium to high abrasiveness range,” she said.

“I find this level offers just the right amount of grit to keep teeth clean without being too harsh, especially since most people tend to brush more aggressively than they should.

“When it comes to my personal whitening regimen, because of my professional background, I use a unique method. I reattach my Invisalign aligners as custom whitening trays, which I find to be extremely effective. I combine these trays with an iridescent whitening gel, available at office, in high concentrations—either 15 percent or 35 percent.This allows for a more powerful whitening effect, tailored to my needs.

“I advocate the use of custom trays for anyone considering teeth whitening. They are an excellent investment to achieve fast and effective results. This method allows you to use professional grade, highly concentrated gels that are more effective and cost effective in the long run compared to over the counter options[…]without unnecessary additives”.

However, teeth whitening is not a simple exercise: it requires maintenance. And the amount of maintenance required depends significantly on our diet. “Diet plays an important role in tooth staining,” Kahng said.

“Common culprits like coffee can lead to noticeable discoloration over time, even for those who whiten their teeth regularly[…]The more she indulges in foods and drinks known to stain teeth, the more often she may need to have whitening treatments to maintain her desired level of brightness.”

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