Despite the prevalence of tried-and-tested teeth whitening practices, some people still insist on home remedies instead of relying on a dentist. One such remedy is “oil-pulling” or the practice of rinsing one’s teeth with coconut oil, which originated in India more than 2,500 years ago. According to YottaFire writer Silvia Hooper, oil-pulling seems to work to some extent, although it is not without some limitations:
“He also added that oil pulling or swishing should only be done for 5 minutes and not as recommended by most people for 20 minutes. Overdoing it might cause nausea. Similarly using a small teaspoon amount is enough. However as far as oil is concerned, it is important to get a prescribed based on what suits the physical make-up and the personal needs before starting.”
There is also the fact that the practice currently doesn’t have the approval of the American Dental Association (ADA), which means it can’t be recommended to everyone. It’s not that the ADA considers home remedies as a threat that may render professional dental practices redundant. The ADA simply relies on scientific facts, especially when it comes to DIY cosmetic procedures that “guarantee” excellent results. Instead, ADA insists that people should visit respectable dental professionals for their dental needs, like Dr. James DeFinnis a well-known cosmetic dentist in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.
Professional whitening treatments get the thumbs up from the ADA for a variety of reasons. First, in-office treatments usually clean the patient’s teeth and gums before proceeding, which is how any dental procedures- including home whitening treatments- should start in the first place. Second, these treatments are much safer because they use the best tools, employ the right techniques, and are well-regulated by authorities like the ADA. Finally, in-office whitening treatments produce better results since they can deal with all types of tooth stains.
Tooth stains are generally classified as either extrinsic (i.e. stains that affect the outer layer or enamel of the teeth) or intrinsic (i.e. those that penetrate the inner structure or dentin). Many people don’t know that more serious tooth conditions, like decay and yellowish teeth, are usually intrinsic in nature and thus require a more-specialized form of treatment that only professionals who offer cosmetic dentistry in Scranton, PA, and elsewhere can provide. Home remedies like baking soda, orange peels, and the aforementioned oil-pulling may not even work as intended when used against such stains.
