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| - Last Updated on June 22, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook video claims that a mixture of Vaseline, coffee and toothpaste can make your teeth super white. We did the fact check to term it as False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook video, you can get super white teeth by using a mixture of Vaseline, coffee and toothpaste. The video also claims that it can give quick results.
Fact Check
Can I use coffee to whiten my teeth?
No, you cannot use coffee to whiten your teeth. In fact, coffee is one of the most common culprits of tooth discoloration. Coffee contains tannins, which are a type of polyphenol that breaks down in water. When tannins stick to your teeth, they cause staining. Over time, regular coffee drinkers might notice their teeth turning yellow or brown due to these stains.
Can coffee stain my teeth?
Yes, coffee can stain your teeth. Coffee, especially acidic types, can increase enamel roughness, leading to discoloration. A study assessed staining from different coffee types and temperatures using sixty extracted teeth. Results showed that hot, sweetened, and Turkish coffee caused significant staining, while cold coffee and types like Arabic, instant, and latte resulted in minimal staining. Adding sugar worsens staining, but milk or water can reduce it. Recommendations include drinking sugar-free coffee and adding milk or water to minimise staining.
Is Vaseline safe for oral use?
Yes, it is, but Vaseline is not meant to be ingested. Petrolatum products are generally non-toxic if swallowed, but their thick and greasy nature can cause choking. Moreover, applying Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to your teeth is not advisable for whitening purposes. Vaseline may provide a temporary barrier to protect your teeth from stains by creating a slick surface that reduces the adherence of chromogens (staining substances). However, it does not have any bleaching or whitening properties. More importantly, Vaseline is not meant to be ingested, and applying it to your teeth increases the risk of swallowing it, which can lead to potential health concerns.
Can a mixture of Vaseline, coffee and toothpaste really make your teeth super white?
No, a mixture of Vaseline, coffee, and toothpaste cannot make your teeth super white. This claim lacks any scientific basis and is not supported by dental or medical literature. Coffee, as previously mentioned, is more likely to stain teeth rather than whiten them. Toothpaste does contain mild abrasives and sometimes small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which can help remove surface stains, but it is not powerful enough to provide the dramatic whitening that professional treatments can achieve. Vaseline does not contribute to tooth whitening at all.
According to a review on natural teeth whitening, natural ingredients like lemons, strawberries, and papaya have been noted for their mild whitening effects. However, the efficacy of these natural methods is limited compared to commercial whitening agents containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients can cause deproteinization and demineralization of teeth if used excessively.
What do the dentists say?
Dr Yogita Parmar, BDS, MPH, Public Health Research Associate, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, shares her opinion, “When exploring the home remedies for teeth whitening that are widely shared online these days, it’s important to be cautious. Many of these ‘miracle’ solutions don’t have scientific support and could potentially do more harm than good. For instance, rather than making teeth whiter, coffee is known to stain them. While Vaseline is harmless for lips, it doesn’t benefit dental care. Also, toothpaste alone can’t significantly whiten teeth. For safe and effective whitening options, it’s best to consult a dentist who can provide reliable guidance tailored to your needs.”
Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS, Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, says “Home remedies for teeth whitening, such as the mixture of Vaseline, coffee, and toothpaste, are not only ineffective but could also pose risks to your oral health. Coffee is notorious for causing tooth discoloration, not removing it. Using such mixtures can lead to abrasion of the enamel if the toothpaste is extra abrasive. Moreover, Vaseline does not contribute to whitening. I recommend sticking to products that are clinically proven and approved by dental associations for whitening. When in doubt, always consult a dental professional.”
How can I whiten my teeth quickly?
Before starting with quick whitening options, it’s essential to be cautious of home remedies or magic fixes you might see online. Many of these lack scientific backing and can harm your teeth, causing enamel erosion and sensitivity. Quick promises often aren’t true, so it’s important to approach teeth whitening with realistic expectations.
For safe and effective whitening, stick to professional treatments and approved products. These deliver results while minimising risks. Here are some reliable options to consider:
- Professional Whitening Treatments: Visit your dentist for professional whitening. These treatments use stronger bleaching agents for faster, more effective results. And thus, often lighten your teeth by several shades in just one session.
- Whitening Toothpaste and Strips: Over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and strips can help remove surface stains. They take longer to show results compared to professional treatments, usually lightening teeth by a shade or two with consistent use.
- Whitening Kits: At-home whitening kits come with custom-fit trays and bleaching gel. They can be effective but take longer than professional treatments. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid overuse and potential damage.
- Natural Remedies: Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in moderation can help with surface stains, but they are less effective than professional treatments. Use these remedies cautiously to avoid damaging your enamel.
- Diet: Prioritise foods low in staining agents. Common culprits include turmeric (haldi), tea (chai), coffee, tomato-based gravies, red wine, betel leaves (paan), and fruits like berries and pomegranate.
What are the risks of using at-home teeth whitening products?
Using at-home teeth whitening products can pose several risks, including:
- Damage to Teeth:
- Protein Matrix Damage: High concentrations of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide can damage the protein matrix in teeth, especially in dentin, weakening the teeth.
- Surface Damage: Aggressive whitening agents can alter the tooth surface, causing changes that may lead to increased sensitivity and structural damage.
- Increased Sensitivity:
- Bleaching Sensitivity: Whitening agents can cause small microscopic defects and subsurface pores in teeth, leading to increased sensitivity to hot and cold, known as bleaching sensitivity.
- Temporary Sensitivity: This sensitivity is often due to reversible pulpitis and can persist for a few days after bleaching.
- Abrasion and Gum Damage:
- Strong Abrasives: Whitening products with strong abrasives like perlite and alumina can damage enamel, dentin, and gums, especially if used with high pressure during brushing.
- Long-term Uncertainty:
- Potential Long-term Damage: The long-term effects of bleaching on teeth due to oxidation of organic molecules are unclear. This might affect the mechanical integrity of enamel and dentin.
- Persistent Sensitivity: Enhanced tooth sensitivity can be a common side effect following the use of peroxide-based whitening agents.
Our recommendation
Be careful with strong bleaching agents, as they can damage your teeth’s structure. You might experience temporary sensitivity after using whitening products. Stay away from products with harsh abrasives that can hurt your enamel and gums. It’s always a good idea to talk to your dentist before trying any at-home whitening treatments to make sure they are safe and effective.
Conclusion
The claim that a mixture of Vaseline, coffee, and toothpaste can make your teeth super white is false. Coffee is more likely to stain your teeth, and Vaseline has no whitening properties. Toothpaste alone cannot achieve the level of whitening that professional treatments can provide. Always consult with a dentist before trying new methods for teeth whitening. Be extra careful when following healthcare advice found online, as much of it is not medically accurate. Trusting such advice can be harmful rather than helpful.
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