Home Oral Health Trends

You’ve probably seen a video of someone with a mouthful of soot-like paste or perused pins on Pinterest about the amazing benefits of oil pulling, but what do these things actually mean and are they really good for you and your teeth? Abundant Dental Care’s dentist office has the answers for you!

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is the act of swishing oil (coconut, sesame, or sunflower oils) around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes a day to draw out toxins. It is believed to offer a multitude of benefits for oral and general health including: whitening teeth, freshening breath, removing plaque, and more. So does it actually work? Though oil pulling has been practiced for centuries in India and southern Asia, according to the American Dental Association it lacks sufficient peer-reviewed evidence. Though some studies have been performed, they are ultimately inconclusive due to skewed sample sizes, absence of negative controls, lack of demographic information, etc. However, as long as you don’t substitute oil pulling for regular dental visits and at-home oral care, it doesn’t appear to be damaging or harmful, just don’t swallow it.

Charcoal Toothpaste

Charcoal toothpaste is the latest trend heating up on social media. Charcoal is commonly used to absorb and purify lingering smells or soak up poisons. Because of its porous nature, it is thought to draw the stains out of your teeth without bleach. If you do decide to use it to whiten teeth, it should be used sparingly and cautiously even if your teeth feel normal. Frequent use could cause damage to tooth enamel because of its abrasive nature. The safest, most dramatic way to whiten teeth is still an in-office appointment with your dentist.

Chlorophyll Supplements

Chlorophyll is a type of pigment inside plants responsible for absorption of light in photosynthesis. Now, it is suddenly appearing in all kinds of products from water to supplements to energy bars. Similar to oil pulling, chlorophyll proponents claim it detoxifies the body, boosts metabolism, fights bad breath, and more. Because chlorophyll hasn’t been studied extensively, there is very little information about how this trend actually benefits consumers or a recommended dosage. However, if you are interested in this trend keep in mind chlorophyll is abundant in dark green leafy vegetables already. In other words, you don’t need to take a special supplement to include chlorophyll in your diet. It also makes your skin more sensitive to light and the sun, so take precautions if necessary.

While some of these trends make big promises, remember that if something sounds too good to be true it probably is. The best ways to care for your teeth are still the tried and true methods you’ve been practicing for years. If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call Abundant Dental Care’s dental clinic today.