In the internet age, home remedies pop up faster than ever, and can spread incredibly far without being checked. That’s as true for dentistry as it is for any other field of healthcare. One popular home remedy you may have seen has to do with turmeric and its alleged ability to give you a whiter smile. Everyone would love to remove stains from their teeth, so it’s worth looking into whether there’s any truth to this claim. Here’s a guide that can tell you everything you want to know about turmeric’s whitening abilities.
Can Turmeric Whiten Teeth?
It’s worth saying from the start that so far there isn’t any scientific evidence to support turmeric as a whitening treatment. While some dentists have recommended it to their patients, the claims that this spice can improve the color of your smile are all purely anecdotal.
That said, turmeric is better for you than many other over-the-counter whitening treatments, many of which are actively discouraged by the ADA. There’s also some evidence that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and that it can even help fight gum disease.
How to Use Turmeric for Dental Hygiene
While the jury’s still out on teeth whitening, it might not be a bad idea to use this spice for its other health benefits. Simply sprinkle some turmeric on your toothbrush and brush the way you would normally. Then, let the turmeric sit on your teeth for around five minutes. Finally, wash your mouth out with water and brush again, this time using the same toothpaste as normal. It’s recommended that you do this no more than once a day.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Turmeric may not be able to whiten your smile, but your dentist absolutely can! If you’re looking for the brightest smile you can get, talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening. The procedure is easy, painless, and can be completed within a single session. Once it’s done, you’ll be able to enjoy a smile up to eight shades brighter.
As for turmeric, while it has many noted health benefits, it’s unclear whether it can give you a brighter smile. That said, it probably won’t do any harm if you use it occasionally; talk to your dentist and see if it would be a good idea to work it into your dental routine.
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana is a dentist with nearly a decade of experience who prides himself on being able to offer his patients the best in oral medicine. He believes that everyone deserves to enjoy excellent oral health, so he works hard to provide all of his patients with the care they need. Dr. Rana received his doctorate from New York University, and he routinely completes continuing education courses to stay up to date. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (469) 399-7288.