Last Updated on December 12, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
According to a Pinterest post, strawberries are effective against externa tooth discoloration. We confirmed the assertion. According to our findings, the claim is Mostly False.
The Claim
A Pinterest post titled “Strawberries can whiten teeth” suggests that strawberries can be used to treat tooth discoloration. Since dental discoloration is not always external, the administration of strawberries is not acceptable.
Fact Check
What exactly is tooth discoloration?
Tooth discoloration is a common dental observation that is associated with both clinical and cosmetic issues. It varies in the underlying cause, appearance, composition, location, severity, and firmness of adherence to the tooth surface. The discoloration could be caused by both external and internal factors. It should be noted that intrinsic discoloration is usually caused by a congenital or systemic condition. While external variables such as coffee, tea, tobacco, and medications, as well as aging, can cause external discoloration, certain factors, such as enamel defects, salivary composition, salivary flow rates, and poor oral hygiene, increase the risk of external dental deposits and stain accumulation.
Is it possible for strawberries to remove external tooth discoloration?
Not exactly. Strawberries are thought to have teeth-whitening characteristics. However, these properties are ineffective and short-lived. This is due to the fact that applying strawberries to the tooth surface has a temporary effect on the removal of dental plaque and external tooth stains. This transient whitening effect could be attributed to the presence of malic acid, a naturally occurring tooth whitener. Furthermore, mature strawberries contain citric acid, which might whiten teeth when applied to them. Citric acid, on the other hand, is known to expedite tooth demineralization. This eventually weakens the tooth enamel, making it susceptible to sensitivity and even tooth decay. In other words, since this acid dissolves tooth enamel, any whitening benefit is negligible.
When we asked Dr. Pooja Bhardwaj (BDS), if strawberries could help with tooth discoloration, she explained that, “Strawberries contain natural sugars as well as citric and malic acids. Malic acid may be a natural enamel cleanser, but there is no solid evidence to support this, and it might remove surface food debris, leaving a cleaner-looking tooth surface. Strawberry citric acid, on the other hand, has the potential to demineralize enamel. Strawberries’ natural sugars can cause cavities if not properly cleansed. As a result, using strawberries to remove external stains is ineffective and causes more harm than good. Your dentist may now recommend a variety of low-cost teeth-whitening options.”
Our endodontist, Dr. Paridhi Garg, also said, “Strawberries do not whiten teeth.” Strawberries contain citric acid, which damages enamel and accelerates the demineralization process, which can cause sensitivity issues. Strawberries are also high in sugar, which increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
In addition to dismissing the role of strawberries in teeth whitening, THIP Media has brushed aside the roles of orange peels, apple cider vinegar, and the paste of lemon and baking soda in teeth whitening.
Can tooth discoloration be handled?
Yes, both external and internal tooth staining can be managed by a dentist to some extent. Prior to beginning treatment, a thorough dental and medical history should be obtained. This exploration would include the use of pharmaceuticals and orally administered therapeutic agents. Additionally, occupational chemical exposure, oral hygiene practices, and habitual beverage consumption should be examined. The dental professional must examine the position and distribution of the stain, enamel roughness, defect, cavities, or faulty restoration, as well as plaque and calculus deposition.
Please note that the external stains can be addressed once the underlying cause has been identified. As a result, the therapy incorporates proper tooth brushing techniques, toothpaste, and professional cleaning. In terms of dietary sources of stains, patients should be advised to limit their consumption of stain-inducing beverages such as coffee and tea and encouraged to brush their teeth immediately after consumption. Employees who work with industrial chemicals should try to wear masks.
In contrast to extrinsic stains, which occur on the surfaces of teeth, intrinsic stains are caused by the incorporation of chromogenic components into enamel and dentin before or after tooth development. Internal stains include dental fluorosis, the tetracycline stain, inherited developmental defects of enamel or dentin without systemic features, and blood-related disorders. As a result, identifying and treating the underlying cause of internal tooth discoloration is critical. The main treatment options are enamel surface smoothening, placing a thin cosmetic layer on the affected tooth surfaces, or vital and non-vital bleaching.
THIP MEDIA TAKE: Strawberries may be safe, but they are ineffective stain removers. In reality, the whitening effect of strawberries on teeth is temporary and may not be effective in removing all types of external stains, which may necessitate professional removal. Furthermore, the acidic nature of the fruit may be more harmful than beneficial to the teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is, therefore, the most effective way to keep the teeth clean and plaque-free and one should always seek the advice of a dentist for the best results. Therefore, we conclude that the assertion is mostly false.
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