Do Banana Peels Whiten Teeth? Examining Common DIY Whitening Methods | Coronado Dental Associates (2024)

Want a brighter smile? You may have run across articles on the internet claiming that a lot of different at-home whitening methods can improve your smile, from banana peels to oil pulling.

But is this really true? In this blog from Coronado Dental Associates, we’ll discuss a few of the most common DIY whitening methods, and discuss which ones do and don’t work.

1. Banana Peels

Banana peels don’t do anything to whiten your teeth. Many articles recommend rubbing the peel against your teeth for a few minutes. While this could scrub off some surface stains, it’s no more effective than brushing your teeth. Banana peels have no special whitening properties.

2. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling (swishing oil around your mouth) could help kill certain bacteria. But it has no known special abilities to whiten your teeth. It won’t hurt your smile, but it won’t brighten your teeth significantly either.

3. Strawberries, Pineapples, Apples & Other Fruits

Some people think the “malic acid” in certain fruits like strawberries, pineapples, and apples can whiten your teeth. However, a study showed that there were no significant effects, especially compared to commercial whitening products.

However, eating fibrous fruits like apples or pears is still good for your oral health. The fibers act as natural “brushes,” and help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Of course, fruit is also great for your overall health, so munch away! Just don’t expect it to give you a brighter smile.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive, and can scrub away surface stains and plaque away from your teeth. That’s why it’s a common additive in toothpaste. You could use baking soda on its own, but we recommend just brushing your teeth with an ADA-approved toothpaste instead.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is actually used in most teeth whitening products, along with carbamide peroxide. However, swishing and rinsing with it is not as effective as using a commercial teeth whitening product, since commercially-available hydrogen peroxide is very diluted.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

There is no evidence that apple cider vinegar can whiten your teeth. Not only that, but it’s really acidic and can wear down your enamel with prolonged use, causing permanent damage. Don’t try to use apple cider vinegar to whiten your teeth.

7. Turmeric

Again, there is no scientific research on the effectiveness of turmeric for teeth whitening. It’s been found to help fight against oral bacteria, but it will not whiten your teeth.

8. Charcoal And Charcoal Toothpaste

Similarly to baking soda, charcoal is an abrasive substance. It can remove mild surface stains caused by plaque. But it’s often very harsh, and prolonged use of charcoal or charcoal toothpaste could damage your enamel. We recommend skipping this, and using an ADA-accepted whitening toothpaste instead.

Nothing Works Better Than Professional Teeth Whitening!

We recommend avoiding these DIY teeth whitening methods. If you want to brighten your smile, consider an over-the-counter whitening kit approved by the ADA like Crest Whitestrips, or contact Coronado Dental Associates for professional teeth whitening!

Dr. Villalobos and Dr. Meadows provide effective, long-lasting teeth whitening services in Coronado, Imperial Beach, and downtown San Diego. With our help, you’ll get the beautiful smile you deserve. Contact us online or give us a call at (619) 435-0844 to schedule an appointment now.

Do Banana Peels Whiten Teeth? Examining Common DIY Whitening Methods | Coronado Dental Associates (2024)

FAQs

Do Banana Peels Whiten Teeth? Examining Common DIY Whitening Methods | Coronado Dental Associates? ›

Banana peels don't do anything to whiten your teeth. Many articles recommend rubbing the peel against your teeth for a few minutes. While this could scrub off some surface stains, it's no more effective than brushing your teeth. Banana peels have no special whitening properties.

Are bananas good for teeth whitening? ›

No, banana peels can't whiten your teeth. Proponents of banana peel whitening say that the high levels of potassium and magnesium are “absorbed into your teeth” if you rub a small piece of banana peel against your teeth for a few minutes per day. However, there is absolutely no evidence that this works.

What is the best DIY teeth whitening? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally.

What is the number one teeth whitening method? ›

Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening

This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.

What fruit peel whitens teeth? ›

Advocates of the home remedy say the potassium, magnesium and manganese in banana peels absorb into your teeth and whiten them. Others suggest that lemon peels, strawberries or orange peels can be used as natural teeth whiteners.

Is banana peel a natural teeth whitener? ›

Unfortunately, there's no evidence to suggest that banana peels really do whiten teeth. While the minerals in bananas promote dental health, they're unlikely to brighten your smile. There are two main ways to whiten teeth: abrasion and bleaching.

How do I use banana peel to whiten my teeth? ›

Here's how to use banana peels to whiten your teeth. You'll need one banana peel, a toothbrush, and some toothpaste: Rub the underside of the banana peel all over your teeth. Once your teeth have been thoroughly rubbed, let the banana matter sit on your teeth for ten minutes.

What whitens teeth really fast? ›

In-office whitening procedures like Zoom Advanced Power whitening can see immediate results because dentists use a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with a "light source directly on the teeth to break up all the molecules that cause staining and discoloration," he explains.

What is the fastest teeth whitening at home? ›

Best for Fast Results

We recommend the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips if you want whiter teeth fast. Although they do not contain peroxide (opting for a mix of natural ingredients), we found these strips to be a quick and easy way to whiten our teeth in just a couple of days.

How can I make my teeth super white fast? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

Can old yellow teeth be whitened? ›

Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.

Does Vicks VapoRub whiten teeth? ›

Vicks VapoRub is toxic to consume and should not be used for teeth whitening.

Does pineapple whiten teeth? ›

Strawberries, watermelon, and dairy products may help whiten your teeth. These foods contain compounds with lightening properties. Pineapple and papaya also have proteolytic enzymes that dissolve stain-causing proteins on your teeth. Simply eating these foods won't transform the color of your teeth, though.

Does apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›

Due to it's high acidity, ACV is not recommended for teeth whitening. If you use it, it is best to dilute it and ensure you are rinsing your teeth afterward. There are better alternatives for teeth whitening, including the use of teeth whitening strips, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda.

What foods to avoid to keep teeth white? ›

11 Foods to Stay Away From if You Want White Teeth
  • Does Coffee and Tea Stain Your Teeth? Hands down, this is one of the top culprits of discolored teeth. ...
  • Red Wine. ...
  • Tomato-Based Sauces. ...
  • Soy Sauce and Balsamic Vinegar. ...
  • Berries and Beets. ...
  • Carbonated Drinks and Soda. ...
  • Candy. ...
  • Keeping Your Teeth White and Glowing.
Apr 30, 2024

Which fruit is best for teeth? ›

Apples and Citrus Fruit

An “apple a day” is also great for teeth too. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, eating an apple or other fibrus fruits like oranges, carrots or celery can help clean your teeth and increases salivation, which can neutralize the citric and malic acids left behind in your mouth.

How to whiten yellow teeth naturally? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

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