Dental
fads come and go. While some have benefits, others are less than
healthy. If you're not sure which ones to follow and which to avoid,
take a look at how to sort fact from fiction with some of the most
popular healthy-mouth fads.
Talk
to the Dentist First
Never
assume an article in a magazine or a fad you hear about from a friend
is fact. You need a professional's opinion before you try any new
oral care routine. The dentist has the experience and expertise
necessary to help you make an informed decision.
If
the dentist advises against the fad you'd like to try, listen to
their guidance. There may be alternatives you hadn't thought of. Ask
the dentist to provide you with a few options that may have the same
result the fad idea would (such as whitening or deep cleaning your
teeth).
What
types of popular fads might you want to ask the dentist about? Some
of the most common current choices include:
- Charcoal dental
products.
Toothpastes made from charcoal have popped up on store shelves and
online recently. These products promise to clean your teeth
naturally and reduce the risks of dental caries.
- Lemon Juice.
Lemon juice is touted as a natural way to whiten teeth.
- Baking soda.
Like lemon juice, baking soda is also used to whiten teeth.
- Hydrogen
peroxide.
This is another product that has gained popularity as a whitener. It
is often found as a main ingredient in whitening mouthwashes or used
by itself.
Some
fad remedies, whiteners, and prevention products combine popular
products. These include a baking soda-hydrogen peroxide DIY
toothpaste, a lemon juice-baking soda rinse, and similar homemade
mixtures.
Don't
Assume Natural Equals Safer
The
rise of natural products has spiked an interest in DIY dental
products or alternative options. Even though these products have
chemical-free promises and claim to keep your teeth clean and bright
without the use of risky substances, natural doesn't always equal
better or safer.
Homemade
fad products may contain higher concentrations of potentially
damaging ingredients. These can pose a serious risk to your oral
health. Something as seemingly safe as the hydrogen peroxide you have
in your bathroom's medicine cabinet can damage dental enamel when
used in high concentrations. Over time this can lead to dental
disease and decay.
Again,
always consult with your dentist before you try a fad treatment. The
expert can provide you with the safety facts and offer less risky
alternatives when needed.
Review
the Research
Who
told you that a new fad dental treatment will change your smile for
the better? If a friend, co-worker, or non-verified Internet source
is behind the fad, look for real research before you try the idea.
Along
with a dentist, dental or medical journals and trusted organizations
(such as the American Dental Association) are top sources to refer
to. A research or literature review can provide you with a
scientifically compiled group of sources that take a broad look at
the fad and its effectiveness.
A
2017 review in The
Journal of the American Dental Association looked
at the literature on the effectiveness and safety of charcoal and
charcoal-based dentifrices. The researchers identified 118 potential
studies on the subject and found insufficient clinical evidence to
support most of the claims made by the manufacturers of these fad
products.
While
this isn't the only literature review to use as you determine whether
a fad dental product is effective or safe, it's an example of what to
search for. The more information you have from authoritative sources
the better.
Do
you need professional dental help sorting through fad treatments?
Contact Family Dental Care of Wilmington for
more information.
