We are committed to continuously improving access to our goods and services by individuals with disabilities. This website is currently being updated to enhance the usability and experience for persons with disabilities. If you are unable to use any aspect of this website because of a disability, please call 7812462211 and we will provide you with prompt personalized assistance.

Blog

Blog

Fruits for Whiter Teeth?

Posted on: August 8th, 2017 by Lynnfield Dental Associates No Comments

Recently touted as an inexpensive and organic alternative to teeth whitening, fruit concoctions have arisen as the new way to get those pearly whites. But is there any truth to all these claims?

A study at the University of Iowa points to no. Associate Professor So Ran Kwon tested homemade strawberry-baking soda mix, over the counter remedies, and professional whitening or prescribed whitening products. What he found was that “the only benefit of the DIY method is while it seems to make your teeth look whiter, they look whiter because you’re just removing plaque.” The fruit blends don’t penetrate the teeth and remove stain molecules, they whiten only superficially. Professional treatments whiten from the inside out—which is what we really want. All the other procedures tested (professional whitening, whitening strips, and prescribed treatments) had visible effects on the whiteness of the teeth.

So why don’t strawberries or other fruits work? It’s all about chemistry. These fruits don’t contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, both active ingredients in teeth whitening products as regulated by the ADA. Apples and lemons? They don’t work either. And in fact, the acidity present in these fruits could be harmful to your teeth. Kwon’s study showed that the strawberry-baking soda mix reduced the surface hardness of the teeth by up to 10%.

The study was published in the dental journal, Operative Dentistry. You can read more about the details of the study here.
In the meantime, you can contact your dentist about effective whitening techniques!

Request an Appointment
To book an appointment, please feel free to call us
at 781.246.2211 or complete the form below.

Step 1 of 2

Terms and Conditions

Here at Lynnfield Dental Associates, we work diligently to protect our patient's rights and privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what HIPAA has identified as electronically protected information (ePHI). Unfortunately, despite the best efforts we make or take, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the box, and electronically making an appointment, you understand that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Lynnfield Dental Associates will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may not illegally intercept this communication. As a result of continuing, you are sending this transmission and accepting the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. As an alternative, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

Disclaimer

The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.