Every patient wants a white smile, and just like any other cosmetic condition, there are many ways to whiten and brighten teeth. If you explore the aisles of your local grocery store, drug store, or retail outlet, you will find no shortage of gels, toothpastes, kits, or rinses that claim to improve the color of your teeth. And this doesn’t even cover the home remedies you find on the internet or hear about from friends. But do these methods actually work? Our experienced dentist, Dr. Sula Umansky, weighs in on the effectiveness of at-home teeth whitening.

For example, you may have heard you can use a mixture of baking soda and strawberries to lighten your teeth. While this remedy can remove plaque residue, it doesn’t whiten your smile.
Additionally, many people recommend brushing your teeth with charcoal, there is no data on the efficacy of this method or whether it can cause adverse health effects. There is a risk that abrasives within charcoal will wear down tooth enamel.

Another option is oil pulling, or the practice of rinsing your mouth with coconut oil. While studies have not revealed any dangers associated with oil pulling, they have not found any benefits, either.

The most effective method to whiten your teeth is to visit your dentist for an in-office whitening treatment. This service is both safe and effective. When you visit Advantage Dentists for teeth whitening in Humble, Texas, we can also give you a whitening kit to take home so that you can continue to keep your smile white. To schedule a teeth whitening appointment, call 281-829-5000 today.