African woman with bright white teeth and red headscarf

Natural Teeth Whitening Methods and Myths and Their Effect on Enamel

Brighter, whiter teeth can be achieved at home, but some tooth whitening routines may damage your tooth enamel, causing your teeth to look yellow and dull. Learn which products and home whitening methods can harm your teeth and what you can use to whiten your teeth safely for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Home Whitening Method Watch-Outs

Rollover to Learn More.

DIY Strawberry
Paste

Making a paste of strawberries and baking soda may be popular amongst celebs, but the acid in strawberries can erode your enamel over time, making your teeth look yellow and dull.1

DIY Strawberry
Paste

strawberries for teeth whitening

Making a paste of strawberries and baking soda may be popular amongst celebs, but the acid in strawberries can erode your enamel over time, making your teeth look yellow and dull.1

ActivatedCharcoal

A popular at-home whitening agent, activated charcoal is an abrasive that can weaken and erode your tooth enamel and expose the dentin beneath.2

ActivatedCharcoal

activated charcoal for whitening teeth

A popular at-home whitening agent, activated charcoal is an abrasive that can weaken and erode your tooth enamel and expose the dentin beneath.2

Apple Cider
Vinegar

Extremely acidic, applying this trendy product directly onto your teeth can weaken your enamel, which, unfortunately, once gone, will never grow back.2 Vinegar also may cause acid erosion. Learn about other foods that can damage your enamel.

Apple Cider
Vinegar

apple cider vinegar for teeth whitening

Extremely acidic, applying this trendy product directly onto your teeth can weaken your enamel, which, unfortunately, once gone, will never grow back.2 Vinegar also may cause acid erosion. Learn about other foods that can damage your enamel.

Lemon Juice &
Baking Soda

An old wives’ tale, lemon juice and baking soda can cause more harm than good. Lemon juice can weaken enamel, causing teeth to become more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.2

Lemon Juice &
Baking Soda

baking soda and lemon juice for teeth whitening

An old wives’ tale, lemon juice and baking soda can cause more harm than good. Lemon juice can weaken enamel, causing teeth to become more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.2

Pronamel Strong and Bright Toothpaste to whiten and strengthen teeth

Another Way to Whiten Your Teeth

Home whitening routines may cause your enamel more harm than good.2 For strong, healthy teeth and a bright smile, reach for a gentle whitening toothpaste like Pronamel® Intensive Enamel Repair to gently whiten and help actively repair enamel erosion and acid weakened areas of the enamel surface.*

*With twice daily brushing

Pronamel Strong and Bright Toothpaste to whiten and strengthen teeth

Source Citations:

  1. Want whiter teeth? Fruit mixture is not the answer. University of Iowa. https://now.uiowa.edu/2014/10/want-whiter-teeth-fruit-mixture-not-answer. Accessed 6/29/23.
  2. Natural Teeth Whitening. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/natural-teeth-whitening/. Accessed 6/29/23.

5 TIPS to Reduce Citrus Acid Erosion On Your Enamel

Tips to Reduce Citrus Acid Erosion Mobile

TIP 1

If drinking OJ, take it down in one sitting vs. sips over a longer period.

TIP 2

Use a straw to limit juice exposure on your teeth.

TIP 3

Match citric foods with less acidic ones, like grapefruit slices in a salad.

TIP 4

Wait a couple of hours before eating more acidic foods.

TIP 5

Swish some water (politely!) after every meal.

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