Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that one can whiten their teeth and remove tartar at home using a mixture of vaseline, toothpaste, turmeric and lemon juice. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook reel with the caption, ‘HOMEMADE RECIPE FOR WHITE YOUR TEETH #dentist #teeth #cavities #naturalremedies #womanhealth #albertinedoctor’ displays an AI-generated video of a doctor suggesting that one can remove tartar and whiten their teeth in a minute using a concoction of ingredients such as turmeric, toothpaste, vaseline and lemon juice.
Fact Check
Can you whiten your teeth and remove tartar using vaseline, toothpaste, turmeric, and lemon juice?
No. There is no scientific evidence to prove that such a concoction can effectively remove tartar and whiten teeth. Surface stains caused by food, drinks, and smoking can often be removed with abrasives, such as, charcoal toothpastes. However, deeper or intrinsic stains caused by certain medications or trauma may not respond to such agents and may require professional teeth whitening treatments. Moreover, in various cases, the natural colour of the teeth is not white. Additionally, tartar cannot be removed by simply brushing and flossing your teeth. It can only be removed by a dental professional using a process called scaling.
Vaseline is not known for whitening teeth or removing tartar. Its primary use is as a skin protectant and moisturizer.
Toothpaste that contains whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide can help to remove surface stains on teeth and lighten their appearance over time with consistent use. However, regular toothpaste may not have the same effect. They might remove extrinsic stains on the tooth surface, thus making it look cleaner and whiter, but it has no effect on transforming the natural colour and orientation of teeth.
Dr. Aashnaa Pillai, BDS, FILD, confirms this and says, “Whitening toothpaste contains abrasive agents that are meant to scratch the external surface of your teeth to give them a shinier and whiter appearance. Prolonged use of such abrasive agents can eventually cause thinning of the enamel, the hardest part of your tooth that does not grow back. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and the risk of developing dental caries.”
Turmeric is a natural agent that has been found to have oral healthcare benefits. Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial herb that can be used at home to help with dental care. Turmeric contains curcumin, which helps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease. It aids in the removal of plaque and the maintenance of good oral hygiene. It may also help relieve tooth pain and prevent head and neck cancer. Despite its numerous benefits, turmeric is not considered a reliable substitute for medically assisted cosmetic teeth whitening therapies. Turmeric should not be used as a replacement for general oral health care because the evidence is not substantial.
Dr. Pooja Bhardwaj, about teeth whitening with turmeric, she responded, “Turmeric has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that clean the gums, teeth, and oral cavity while also removing impurities. It has to be kept in mind that turmeric belongs to the ginger family and has an abrasive nature, which might damage the enamel of teeth when used frequently. For safe teeth whitening, always seek professional dental advice.”
Lemon juice is a powerful at-home bleaching agent and a rich source of vitamin C. On the other hand, excessive use of lemon juice erodes the tooth enamel which guards against dental disease. It is crucial to stress that your teeth’s enamel does not grow back. As a result, regularly applying lemon juice will have a negative impact on its ability to whiten teeth.
Dr. Bhardwaj when asked if lemon could be an effective teeth whitener to which she replied, “Although citrus fruits such as lemon contain D-limonene, a natural stain-removing solvent that may reduce minor extrinsic stains, its efficacy is questionable. This is because lemon juice, due to its acidic nature, can be corrosive and thus damage the protective enamel layer. This would eventually weaken the tooth structure, making it more susceptible to cavities.”
Remember, trying out unproven remedies, such as cleaning teeth with lemon and baking soda can do more damage than good.
What at-home preventative measures can be taken for tooth stains?
Always remember that only external stains can be avoided, whereas internal stains affect the internal structure of the teeth and are, therefore, challenging to prevent. Since lifestyle choices are the main cause of external stains, therefore, tooth discoloration can always be avoided by eating a high-fibre diet, drinking lots of water, and brushing and flossing on a regular basis. Avoiding smoking, consuming acidic juices and beverages, and limiting the consumption of foods and beverages that can stain teeth, such as cola, coffee, and red wine, are additional preventive measures. Remember, trying out unproven remedies, such as cleaning teeth with lemon and baking soda can do more damage than good.
THIP Media has also fact-checked a similar claim such as toothpaste and kitchen ingredients can whiten teeth.
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