I’m a dentist – here are 5 DIY teeth whitening tricks and the truth about the kiwi fruit trend

Social media is full of weird and wonderful trends, with the latest fad being using kiwifruit to whiten teeth.

But one dentist has warned that doing so could actually do more harm than good.

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TikTok was inundated with users who combined kiwifruit, cucumber and baking soda – and claimed the concoction will make your pearlescent whites pop.

Speaking to The Sun, Dr. Khaled Kasem, Chief Orthodontist Impress said the idea behind the blend comes from kiwis, which are packed with calcium.

He explained that calcium helps neutralize acids and promotes tooth enamel health.

He added: “While cucumbers are said to freshen breath, it might look effective for a few hours, but it’s only a temporary solution for removing surface stains.

“Using these ingredients will not remove deep-seated stains that cause your teeth to turn yellow.

“In fact, using this combo regularly can do more harm than good, as too many DIY tricks can damage your tooth enamel — something that can’t be undone.”

As with all aspects of health, Dr. Kasem that you should not take dental advice on social media from someone who is not qualified to give it.

Another dentist, Dr. Azad Eyrumlu, Specialist Oral Surgeon at Dental Group Ban said people who use this technique might think their teeth are white — but that’s only because anything that removes plaque makes the enamel layer cleaner.

“Even while brushing our teeth, we can experience this feeling with a simple tongue test running over the tooth surfaces.

“Any product that is either abrasive or chemical, such as B. acid, removes the plaque layer. It doesn’t whiten your teeth, it cleans them.

“I think you can achieve cleaner teeth with different chemicals, but we recommend a toothbrush and toothpaste that are made to contain the right amount of chemicals and fluoride to offset the weakness this causes,” he said.

He added brightening requires a stronger chemical and can only really be achieved over a longer period of time, at least hours.

“That’s because tooth stains are usually found in the deep layers of a tooth, and tooth enamel is much stronger than kiwi juice.

“For whitening, we traditionally used a peroxide. We always recommend whitening under the guidance of a professional dentist, as the chemicals can cause permanent damage if used incorrectly,” he said.

While your best option is always to visit a dentist for whiter teeth, there are some things you can do at home.

Cosmetic dentist and Real Housewives of Cheshire star, dr Hannah Kinsella said there are some things you can do to achieve a bright white smile.

1. Beware of eating and drinking

While we know we should stay away from kiwifruit, Dr. Kinsella that there are some foods that make spots worse.

“Coffee, tea, and red wine can quickly lead to yellow or brown stains, so small things like knowing how to avoid these beverages whenever possible or drinking through a straw can help keep teeth white and prevent stains.

“The nicotine from smoking can also stain teeth, so avoiding cigarettes for whiter teeth also comes naturally.”

2. Consider your overall health

For most people, keeping an eye on what we put into our bodies is helpful teeth whitening.

dr However, Kinsella said people who suffer from certain health conditions are also likely to be more prone to yellow teeth.

She added: “What most people don’t realize is that health conditions like diabetes, oral cancer, anemia and some eating disorders can also damage tooth enamel and oral health, which can lead to yellow teeth.

“Always seek help from a professional if you have any of these problems and your teeth will benefit as well.”

3. Eat strawberries

That polar bear dental Founder said that strawberries are actually a natural teeth whitener.

“Strawberries contain malic acid, which is actually a natural teeth whitening agent. Of course, don’t be too harsh on the strawberries, rubbing them on your teeth or holding them against tooth enamel for too long, but a healthy amount can help with whitening!

“Also, apples are a great way to clean teeth (in any form!) as long as they’re not eaten too aggressively.

“The rough edges of crunchy foods like apples can help remove bacteria from your teeth.”

4. Brush your teeth properly

dr Kinsella said: “Rather than aggressively brushing your teeth with a hard grip – which can be a natural reaction – try holding your toothbrush at the very end and using a grip as if you were holding a pen.

“This reduces the pressure on the brush and teeth, protecting them from damage. All of these things can contribute to whiter teeth!”

dr Kinsella, who is also the founder of Kiln Lane Dental Clinic, said using a sonic toothbrush — instead of a manual brush — will help whiten teeth.

5. Drink more water

Drinking water is a benefit to so many areas of life and is essential to well-being and also to our oral health, said Dr. Kinsella.

“It is a natural cleaner in many ways and can also help remove bacteria from teeth.

“Always drink at least a glass of water after eating,” she said.