A recent study on the effects of hydrogen peroxide on teeth has left a lot of people wondering how to safely keep their pearly whites whiter. Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in most popular whitening agents, including those over-the-counter whitening strips. Unfortunately, according to the study, which was conducted at the University of Stockton in Stockton, New Jersey, that oh-so-effective active ingredient is actually potentially damaging to the collagen layer of the teeth in between the enamel and the dentin.
During the study, scientists monitored the effects of hydrogen peroxide on extracted teeth, but they did not use teeth that were still attached to the mouth, so more studies will need to be conducted using live teeth. If you are concerned about keeping your teeth white as safely as possible in the interim, here are some ways you can get effective results at home without the potential risks of hydrogen peroxide.
Use a Mild Abrasive
One of the principles behind toothpastes with activated charcoal is that the abrasive nature of the toothpaste will deep clean and lift out surface stains. Unfortunately, charcoal toothpaste can scratch teeth and hasn’t been proven safe either. If you are looking for a safe way to scrub teeth, you can make your own paste with some baking soda and water or baking soda and coconut oil. It’s just abrasive enough to remove surface stains without scratching the enamel
Oil Pulling
While oil pulling won’t whiten teeth, it will remove surface staining. Most pros recommend you use coconut oil, and if that’s your preference that’s fine, but you can get the same effect as coconut oil swishing any ingredient for 20 minutes – and that includes plain old water!
Wear Red
If you wear red or red lipstick with blue undertones, this has a neutralizing effect on the yellow that may be in your teeth.
Do Your Job
The best way to whiten teeth is to visit Dr. Abelar for an exam and cleaning twice a year, and to regularly brush and floss your teeth at home. This will keep stains from forming as well as keep discoloring plaque biofilm from building up and making the teeth look yellow.
To schedule your appointment with Dr. Abelar, please call the office at (858) 866-9692.
