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| - Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post suggests that mango seed, neem, cinnamon, and nutmeg can whiten teeth and make them look as white as pearls. Our fact check reveals it’s False.
The Claim
An Instagram video claims that using a mixture of mango seed, neem, cinnamon, and nutmeg can make your teeth as white as pearls by using it as a home remedy for teeth whitening.
Fact Check
Can mango seed really help whiten teeth?
No, mango seeds don’t have teeth-whitening properties. Mango seed powder has been used in traditional remedies for various health benefits, but there’s no solid evidence to back up its effectiveness in teeth whitening. Its mild abrasiveness might help scrub off surface stains, but it won’t change the natural colour of your teeth like professional treatments do. At most, it could offer a slight polishing effect.
A 2023 study did find that Mangifera indica extract (mango extract) can reduce Streptococcus mutans (a bacteria generally found in human oral cavity) when used as a rinse, which could help in preventing plaque buildup. However, this doesn’t mean it can whiten your teeth. Similarly, people suggest honey and salt for teeth whitening, but even this does not work.
Does neem make teeth whiter?
Not really. Neem is very popular for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it good for maintaining oral hygiene. However, it does not whiten teeth. Neem may help in preventing gum diseases or plaque build-up due to its natural antibacterial qualities, but this doesn’t translate to whitening. Its use in oral care is more about maintaining healthy gums and teeth, not altering the colour of teeth.
Is cinnamon a proven teeth whitener?
No, cinnamon doesn’t whiten teeth. It is beneficial for gum health due to its antimicrobial properties, but cinnamon has no whitening capabilities. Claims that it can remove stains or make teeth brighter are misleading. On the contrary, it can actually stain your teeth, so be careful with this home remedy. Its role is more about promoting oral health rather than giving a pearly white appearance to teeth.
Can nutmeg brighten teeth as claimed?
No, nutmeg does not whiten teeth either. Nutmeg may offer some antibacterial benefits that could contribute to oral health, but it is not a teeth-whitening agent. It does not have any properties that can change the enamel’s colour or provide the brightening effects that people typically associate with teeth whitening products. It does have eugenol, which can help in tooth pain management.
Are home remedies a reliable solution for teeth whitening?
Not really. Home remedies like the one in the claim might help with basic oral hygiene, but they cannot replace professional whitening procedures. Ingredients like neem, cinnamon, and mango seed might contribute to better oral health, but their abrasive qualities are often overstated when it comes to whitening. In fact, excessive use of abrasive materials can damage the enamel, leading to long-term issues like tooth sensitivity. Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, uses bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, which are scientifically proven to penetrate tooth enamel and change its colour. So, do not believe social media claims which suggest home remedies like bay leaf powder for plaque removal and teeth whitening.
Dr Pooja Sharma, BDS, MDS, NIMS Jaipur, Rajasthan, says, “I haven’t encountered any convincing evidence that natural ingredients such as mango seed, neem, cinnamon, or nutmeg can truly whiten discoloured teeth. Interestingly, some research suggests that cinnamon extract can actually cause undesirable colour shifts in tooth enamel, potentially making teeth appear more stained. For effectively tackling surface stains from beverages like coffee or tea and achieving real whitening results, professional dental treatments are undoubtedly the best choice.”
Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS, Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, states, “While natural ingredients like mango seed and neem can offer some benefits for oral health, such as antibacterial properties and supporting gum health, they cannot match the effectiveness of professional whitening treatments for achieving a truly radiant smile. These professional procedures are specifically designed to target deep stains within the enamel, using advanced whitening agents that penetrate effectively. For those seeking significant whitening results, it’s essential to consider that relying solely on natural remedies may not yield the desired brightness. Consulting with a dental professional can provide the best options for achieving and maintaining a brilliant, confident smile.”
What’s the best way to achieve whiter teeth?
The safest and most effective way to whiten teeth is through professional treatments. Dentists use controlled amounts of bleaching agents that can penetrate the enamel and alter its colour from the inside. Over-the-counter whitening products can help with surface stains but won’t give results comparable to in-clinic procedures. Additionally, regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and maintaining good oral hygiene will help keep teeth clean and reduce surface stains.
THIP Media Take
The claim that a mixture of mango seed, neem, cinnamon, and nutmeg can make teeth as white as pearls is false. Even though these ingredients have some benefits for oral hygiene, they do not possess teeth-whitening properties.
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