Trendy teeth whitening methods, like charcoal, coconut oil, and hydrogen peroxide, have been popping up all over the place. With all of the hype surrounding the latest smile brightening fads, you have to wonder: Do they actually work? And, most importantly, are they safe for my teeth? Our Chesterfield dentist is here to debunk some of the rumors and give you an honest opinion.

According to beauty bloggers and Instagram ads, brushing your teeth with activated charcoal is all you need to do for a sparkling smile. However, dentists don’t agree. Given the abrasive properties of charcoal, using it on your teeth could cause long-term damage, such as enamel deterioration and tooth erosion. While this may seem like a fun, cost-effective idea, our Chesterfield dentist recommends skipping over it.

Another hot trend is coconut oil, which some claim offers many oral health benefits. To achieve a whiter smile, you are supposed to swish a teaspoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 20 minutes. Although this has no adverse impact on your teeth, there is no evidence that it is an effective whitening treatment.

Hydrogen peroxide is the real deal. According to the American Dental Association, it not only whitens your teeth, but helps eliminate the bacteria responsible for gum disease. Hydrogen Peroxide can be found in many brightening toothpastes and professional whitening treatments. And, when used as directed, it’s also a safe DIY treatment.