Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. So if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth due to dental staining, you might be wondering what your treatment options are. From professional, dentist-guided teeth whitening treatments to DIY methods, there are certainly many different ways to brighten up your dental aesthetics. Some whitening techniques, however, don’t have the best track record when it comes to actually providing noticeable results.
Using turmeric is a perfect example of this. To learn more about this teeth whitening trend and why your dentist is still your best option for achieving your dream smile, keep reading.
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a bright yellow, sometimes orangish, powder that originates from Southeast Asia and belongs to the ginger family. It’s a completely natural product that has a rich, peppery taste and adds a unique flavor to food, and has been used as an herbal and healing remedy for centuries.
In fact, one of the reasons turmeric is trending as a DIY teeth whitening method is that research does show it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties – all of which are incredibly useful for preventing oral health issues like gum disease.
However, another key characteristic of this spice is that it can easily stain your countertops and cookware. As you might guess, this means it has the potential to turn your pearly whites yellow – which is the complete opposite of what most people want!
What the Research Shows
Perhaps more importantly, there isn’t any current research that backs up turmeric as an effective teeth whitening method. This puts it in the same category as activated charcoal and baking soda: plenty of influencers and companies claim it whitens teeth even though it’s not proven to do so. The American Dental Association (ADA) has gone so far as to state that any current “evidence” indicating otherwise is anecdotal.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth?
Even though there are several DIY whitening methods that seem convenient and effective, all of them fall short compared to the treatment that a professional can provide. So if you want to safely and noticeably brighten your smile, you should visit your dentist. They can provide either lightning-quick in-office whitening or send you home with a kit containing everything you need to whiten on your own schedule. Both methods are proven to work, and the results are absolutely gorgeous!
About the Practice
Our team at Sunrise Dental Center has proudly served patients and families in the Houston area for several years. We’re fortunate to house four skilled specialists: Dr. Song Ahn, Dr. Steven Chancellor, Dr. Thomas Ahn, and Dr. Demi Tran. They’re thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options – including both in-office and take-home teeth whitening. To learn more about the practice or to schedule a visit, feel free to get in touch and give us a call today at 713-869-9973.
