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| - Last Updated on August 26, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media video claims that using toothpaste and cinnamon can make your teeth whiter. It further suggests that the paste can make your teeth shinier, and address bad breath. We did the fact check to term it as False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook post, you can achieve shining white teeth by using a mixture of cinnamon and toothpaste. The video also claims that it can address bad breath too.
Fact Check
Does cinnamon have oral health benefits?
Yes, to some extent. Cinnamon does possess several beneficial properties for oral health. Studies indicate that cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and tannins, which have antibacterial and antifungal effects. These compounds can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause dental caries and gum diseases. However, it’s important to note that while cinnamon can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, it should not be seen as a solution for oral health. Traditional dental products provide a broad spectrum of benefits that cinnamon alone cannot.
The beneficial effects of cinnamon in oral health are mainly due to its antimicrobial properties. For instance, cinnamaldehyde, a key component of cinnamon, has significant antibacterial activity. This can help in reducing the bacterial load in the oral cavity. Additionally, cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated gums and oral tissues. However, these benefits are supplementary and should not replace routine dental care practices.
A false social media post suggests using toothpaste for keloids. A woman claims that toothpaste can cure a keloid scar within 3 days.
Can a mixture of toothpaste and cinnamon make your teeth whiter?
No, cinnamon and toothpaste cannot make your teeth whiter. Mixing cinnamon with toothpaste is unlikely to make your teeth whiter. Cinnamon contains tannins, which can cause staining and discoloration of teeth, counteracting any potential whitening effect. Toothpaste can help clean teeth and remove surface stains. But adding cinnamon might lead to the opposite result due to its staining properties.
Teeth whitening usually involves the use of bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals can penetrate the enamel and break down stains. Cinnamon lacks these bleaching properties and therefore cannot provide the same whitening effects. Moreover, using cinnamon in this manner may give a false sense of security, leading individuals to neglect other proven whitening treatments or professional dental care.
There is very little research pertaining to cinnamon in dentistry. Thus, we have inconclusive evidence to validate the effectiveness of cinnamon powder for teeth whitening, especially in the powder form.
Can cinnamon cure bad breath?
Maybe, to some extent. Cinnamon’s antibacterial properties can help reduce the bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. This might offer a temporary solution to bad breath, but it is not a cure. Effective long-term oral hygiene practices are essential to maintaining fresh breath.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by volatile sulphur compounds produced by bacteria in the mouth. Cinnamon can help mask bad breath temporarily by reducing these bacteria, but the effect is not long-lasting. For a more permanent solution, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and use antibacterial mouthwashes. It is also important to address any underlying dental or medical conditions that may be contributing to bad breath.
What do the dentists say?
Dr Sanjeev Bhankhur, BDS, MPH, Dental Surgeon, AIIMS, New Delhi, shares, “Research suggests that cinnamon extract solutions, owing to their acidic pH, may impact enamel surface roughness. Additionally, improper or concentrated use of cinnamon powder could potentially act as an abrasive, leading to enamel wear and heightened sensitivity. This could compromise dental health and contribute to tooth discoloration due to tannins.”
Dr Rahul Sharma, BDS, MPH, Public Health Researcher, Max Hospital, Saket, states, “Cinnamon does have some benefits for oral health, but using it to whiten your teeth isn’t a good idea. In fact, the tannins in cinnamon can actually stain your teeth over time, which is the opposite of what you want. If you’re looking to get your teeth really white, professional treatments like bleaching or laser whitening are the way to go. These methods are designed to remove deep stains and are both safe and effective. It’s best to stick with proven dental care methods to get the results you want.”
Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS (Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology), Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, says, “While using cinnamon in toothpaste may seem attractive for its antibacterial benefits, it’s important to note that it can potentially stain your teeth over time. For effective and safe teeth whitening, I recommend using products specifically designed for oral care, as they are formulated to balance whitening efficacy with enamel protection.”
What are the side effects of using ground cinnamon on teeth?
Using ground cinnamon directly on teeth can lead to several side effects:
- Tooth Discoloration: Tannins in cinnamon can cause external tooth discoloration.
- Gum Irritation: The abrasive nature of cinnamon can irritate the gums and oral tissues.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to cinnamon, leading to oral discomfort or sores.
A study found that exposure to high concentrations of cinnamon extract solution can affect enamel surface roughness. This can potentially lead to increased plaque formation and tooth decay. This study highlights the risks associated with using high concentrations of cinnamon on teeth, emphasising the need for caution when experimenting with home remedies.
What are the likely consequences of using home remedies for oral health?
Using home remedies for oral health can sometimes be ineffective or harmful:
- Ineffectiveness: Many home remedies lack scientific backing and may not provide the desired results.
- Harmful Effects: Some substances can damage tooth enamel or irritate gums.
- Delayed Professional Care: Relying on unverified remedies might delay seeking professional dental care, potentially worsening dental issues.
Home remedies often lack the controlled formulations found in commercial dental products. Thus making it difficult to ensure consistency and safety. Furthermore, trusting on unproven methods may lead individuals to neglect essential dental care practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental check-ups. This neglect can result in the progression of dental issues that could have been prevented with proper care.
What should you do to keep your teeth healthy?
Maintaining your oral health is extremely important for overall well-being. It affects your ability to eat, speak, and socialise comfortably, and is linked to preventing systemic health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Follow these steps to ensure your oral health well-being:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride for added protection against tooth decay.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly (at least once every six months) for professional cleanings and check-ups.
- Healthy Diet: Reduce sugar intake and eat a balanced diet to maintain oral health. Foods high in sugar and starch can contribute to tooth decay.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and tobacco use can lead to serious dental issues, including gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting tobacco can significantly improve your oral and overall health.
Conclusion
The claim that cinnamon and toothpaste can make your teeth shine and whiten them is false. Even though cinnamon has some antimicrobial benefits, it is not effective in whitening teeth or curing bad breath when used in this manner. The potential for tooth discoloration and gum irritation outweighs any minor benefits. For effective and safe oral care, stick to products specifically designed for dental health and consult with your dentist regularly. Self treatment through home remedies may worsen existing conditions or lead to delayed medical care.
In one of the posts, of social media it is shared that charcoal toothpaste can whiten teeth in 5 minutes.
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