Quick Take
A social media post claims that shilajit can cure bad breath, and promotes other home remedies as effective solutions for various dental issues. However, our fact check finds these claims to be false.
The Claim
An Instagram video makes several bold claims about home remedies for common dental problems. It suggests that rinsing your mouth with clove water can relieve toothache. For yellow teeth, it advises sprinkling baking soda on a wet toothbrush to remove stains and naturally whiten them. To treat mouth ulcers or canker sores, the video recommends rinsing with warm salt water. It also claims that taking shilajit every morning for 14 days can cure bad breath. The video goes a step further by implying that dentists deliberately keep this information hidden.
Fact Check
Will taking shilajit for 14 days cure bad breath?
No, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that shilajit cures bad breath. Shilajit is a traditional Ayurvedic substance with some proposed health benefits. But its efficacy in treating halitosis (bad breath) is not established by reliable scientific research. Bad breath is generally caused by bacteria in the mouth, gum disease, poor oral hygiene, or sometimes systemic health issues. Addressing the root cause through proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, and professional dental check-ups, is crucial for managing bad breath. Relying on shilajit for this purpose would likely be ineffective. And, this could delay proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause.
Dr Snigdha, Dentist, from Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Jharkhand, explains, “Bad breath isn’t something you can fix with a shortcut like shilajit. It usually happens because of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, or even problems with your digestion. Shilajit doesn’t treat any of these. If someone sees an improvement, it’s likely just coincidence. The real solution lies in brushing and flossing daily, cleaning your tongue, drinking enough water, and seeing your dentist regularly. If bad breath lasts, it’s important to find out the actual cause rather than rely on unproven remedies.”
Similarly, some claims suggest that shilajit contains all the nutrients your body needs, but this is misleading. It’s also often promoted for improving fertility, although such benefits are not well supported by strong scientific evidence.
Is clove water an effective remedy for toothache relief?
Yes, to some extent. Cloves contain eugenol, a natural anaesthetic and antiseptic, which can offer temporary relief from toothache pain. Dentists have used, and sometimes still use, purified eugenol in dental materials because of its pain-relieving properties. However, using clove water or oil at home only gives short-term relief and does not treat the real cause of the toothache, such as a cavity or infection. In fact, there is evidence that eugenol can sometimes do more harm than good. It may irritate the mouth or trigger allergic reactions in some people. Relying on home remedies and delaying proper dental treatment can make the problem worse, possibly leading to severe pain, infection, or even tooth loss.
Dr Pooja Sharma, Orthodontist, from NIMS University, Jaipur, says, “Clove water may give some temporary relief from toothache because it contains eugenol, which has mild numbing and antiseptic properties. That’s why clove extracts are sometimes used in dental treatments. But it’s important to understand that clove water only masks the pain, it doesn’t treat the real issue, whether it’s a cavity, infection, or gum problem. Relying on it for too long can delay proper treatment and make things worse. In some cases, it also has side effects. If you have a toothache, it’s best to use clove water just as a short-term relief and see your dentist as soon as possible.”
Will sprinkling baking soda on a wet toothbrush whiten teeth and remove stains?
Yes, baking soda can help remove surface stains. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mild abrasive that can mechanically scrub away extrinsic stains caused by food, drinks, and tobacco. Many commercial toothpastes include baking soda for this very reason. However, its effectiveness is limited to surface stains and it cannot change the natural colour of your teeth or remove deeper, intrinsic stains. Furthermore, while generally considered safe when used in toothpaste, brushing with pure baking soda too frequently or aggressively can be abrasive, potentially leading to enamel erosion and increased tooth sensitivity over time. Enamel, once worn away, does not regenerate.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar, BDS, MPH, Senior Consultant (Medical), NPCCHH (MoHFW), AIIMS, New Delhi, states, “Baking soda can help remove surface stains because it’s mildly abrasive, so brushing with it might make your teeth look a bit whiter for a while. But it doesn’t change the natural colour of your teeth or clean stains deep inside. Also, using it too often or in large amounts can wear down your enamel, which actually makes teeth look more yellow over time and can lead to sensitivity. If you’re looking to whiten your teeth safely and effectively, it’s best to talk to your dentist about professional options that protect your enamel.”
Is a salt water rinse an effective remedy for mouth ulcers or canker sores?
Yes, a salt water rinse is a widely recommended and effective home remedy for mouth ulcers and canker sores. Salt water acts as a mild antiseptic, helping to clean the sore, reduce bacteria in the mouth, and promote healing by reducing inflammation. It can also temporarily ease pain. It is a safe and beneficial measure for managing the discomfort of mouth ulcers. However, if ulcers are persistent, very painful, or recur frequently, it is important to consult a dentist to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
THIP Media Take
The claim that shilajit can cure bad breath is not supported by any scientific evidence. Bad breath is usually linked to poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, or digestive issues, and shilajit does not treat any of these causes. The video also promotes clove water for toothache, baking soda for yellow teeth, and saltwater rinses for ulcers. While these may offer temporary relief, they are not reliable or complete treatments. In fact, overusing baking soda can harm enamel, and clove water only numbs pain briefly. None of these remedies can replace proper dental care, and depending on them alone may delay necessary treatment and worsen oral health problems.
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