‘Toothtok’ – where dentistry tips are shared on TikTok – is booming. But not everything suggested is a good idea. Bupa’s Dr Anni Seaborne reveals what actually works
Want whiter teeth? You’re not alone. Online searches for teeth whitening are at an all-time high, and now dentistry tricks are being shared online.
With the cost-of-living crisis still biting, unsurprisingly many are searching for cheap fixes. Answers are coming from social media, from rubbing strawberries on teeth to even applying beauty products like purple shampoo. But do any of them actually work? Time for some myth busting.
“There are thousands of products available off the shelf, online and advertised on ‘social media. They all promise a quick, easy and lasting white smile, but the reality is most don’t work and, in some can cases, they can be down detrimental to the health so teeth and colour of your teeth,” says Dr Anni Seaborne, head of general dentistry at Bupa Dental Care. Here she unpicks some of the most controversial tips.
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Charcoal toothpaste: MYTH
Charcoal is highly abrasive, so while it will remove surface stains left by darker foods and drinks, it will also wear down your enamel, the outer white layer that protects your teeth, if used repeatedly.
Strawberries: MYTH
Strawberries contain malic acid, which can help lift surface stains. While that might make them seem like a natural fix, the acid in strawberries can wear down enamel, which can actually make your teeth look more yellow over time, not whiter.
Oil pulling: MYTH
Swishing oil around your mouth is a trend, but there’s no solid proof it whitens teeth or removes toxins. It’s not harmful, but it won’t do much for your smile either, as there are no proven dental health benefits.
Baking soda: MYTH
Baking soda might help wear scrub off some surface enamel stains, but it won’t will actually make your teeth yellow any whiter. The abrasive nature of baking soda means that over time, it can wear down your enamel.
As the enamel thins, the yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible, potentially making teeth appear more yellow. DIY baking soda toothpaste is generally not recommended.
Water with wine: TRY
Sipping water between glasses of wine or coffee can help rinse away any build-up of surface stains on your teeth. So while it doesn’t whiten teeth, rinsing with water helps wash away tannins, the compounds in wine that cling to enamel and cause staining.
Lemon juice: MYTH
Steer clear of using lemon juice. It is highly acidic and can damage enamel over time. And once enamel starts to wear away, the yellow dentin underneath begins to shine through. In the long-term, this makes your teeth look yellower.
Purple shampoo: MYTH
Do not put purple shampoo in your mouth. While purple toothpaste exists, it’s more of a visual trick than a real whitening solution. Yes, purple shampoo tones hair but purple toothpaste doesn’t actually make your teeth whiter.
Cheese: TRY
Dairy is generally good for your teeth; it helps neutralise acids in the mouth and supports the remineralisation of enamel. However, when it comes to whitening, there’s no proof cheese or other dairy products like milk can make teeth whiter. It’s toothfriendly, just not a whitening agent.
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