Immaculate, white and sparkly teeth are a dream come true for a large chunk of the global population. Americans spend USD 1.4 billion per year on teeth whitening products. Thus, the significance of dental aesthetics is paramount and ever-rising. Numerous whitening agents, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, mouthwashes, etc., are used to whiten teeth at home. Many a time, people swear by the teeth whitening capacities of natural ingredients. One such ingredient that has taken the entire world by storm is turmeric. Famous for its healing and anti-microbial properties, turmeric is now being recommended for teeth whitening, as well. Let us try and analyze if turmeric can whiten teeth or it is just a marketing gimmick.

Science and turmeric

There exists substantial scientific evidence to support the therapeutic and anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric. It has been used for centuries in India for health benefits. Certain trace studies also suggest that turmeric can be a potential cancer treatment. When we talk about dental conditions, turmeric is clinically proven to calm down and heal gingivitis. 

The whitening properties of turmeric

As of now, there are no studies to back the claim that turmeric can whiten teeth. The consensus among the scientific community is that the whitening effect produced by turmeric is a placebo. But, a recently conducted study proved that the active ingredient of turmeric– curcumin – possesses anti-plaque properties. In addition, it can prevent gingivitis and gum diseases effectively. A 2013 research revealed further oral benefits of turmeric as results showed that it can lessen toothache and can also be used to treat periodontitis. Turmeric is also said to prevent oral cancers. 

Although turmeric does not have teeth whitening properties, it has phenomenal benefits for oral health in general.

How to include turmeric in your daily dental routine

The most optimal and convenient way of including turmeric in your daily dental routine is by purchasing a toothpaste or mouthwash that contains turmeric or curcumin. Making a paste out of turmeric and water and brushing it on the mouth can also be an option. Lastly, you may mix the magic ingredient with your regular toothpaste. Although turmeric has little to no side effects, you should exercise discretion while using it directly on the teeth. Moreover, natural turmeric is not an alternative for mouthwashes, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

Other natural teeth whitening ingredients that you can try

One natural ingredient that is proven to whiten teeth is baking soda. Despite the minimal effect, using baking soda or baking soda-based dental products can whiten teeth. Moreover, baking soda has numerous other benefits for our teeth and mouth. Another teeth whitening ingredient that works is activated charcoal. We all know that charcoal-based products are all the rage right now because they, in fact, effectively remove extrinsic teeth stains. But, one must be very careful while using activated charcoal as too much of it can wear down the enamel.

It is noteworthy to highlight that any teeth whitening product works only on extrinsic teeth stains caused by outside factors like eating habits. We cannot change the natural color of our teeth at home. Professional cleaning and treatments are mandatory to transform the color of our teeth from within.

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