Natural products and remedies from skin creams and shampoos to hokey “detox” formulas are all the rage today. Turmeric, a spice known for its vivid yellow color has gained popularity for its supposed teeth whitening abilities. But where does this remedy fall on the scale of natural cures versus snake-oil solutions? Read on to learn more about turmeric and its purported teeth whitening properties.
Is Turmeric Good for Teeth Whitening?
Though many have claimed to have unlocked the secret of turmeric teeth whitening, there is no scientific evidence of this. When dental products containing turmeric hit the shelves, they are combined with other chemicals like baking soda or hydrated silica. These agents are doing most of the heavy lifting when it comes to whitening—not the turmeric.
Is There any Reason to use Turmeric on My Teeth?
Despite turmeric not having the stain-removing power others have reported, it still has several oral health benefits. It has been used for centuries in Asian medicine for its potent properties, such as:
Reducing Plaque Buildup
One of the more practical benefits of turmeric is its anti-bacterial effects. Using a solution of turmeric and lukewarm water as a mouth rinse has shown some promise for decreasing plaque buildup.
Acting as an Anti-Inflammatory
For patients with gingivitis, turmeric can act as an effective treatment. Studies performed by the M.A Rangoowala Dental College studied curcumin (a family of spices that include turmeric.) They found that turmeric is comparable in strength to chlorhexidine—a disinfectant normally used on skin before surgery.
Reducing Free Radicals
Your body regularly produces harmful particles called free radicals, these damage cells at a microscopic level. Turmeric is a known source of antioxidants which combat the breakdown of protiens caused by free radicals. This can lead to a noticeable difference in skin, eye, and brain health over time.
Should I Start Using Turmeric in My Routine?
While turmeric can offer many health benefits, it can’t take the place of regular brushing and flossing. As a supplement, turmeric may help you reduce some of the symptoms of gingivitis and reduce plaque. However, it’s not the teeth whitening solution you’re looking for!
While turmeric’s teeth whitening claims may seem enticing, it’s important to take them with a grain of salt. If you want proven and effective teeth whitening, call your dentist for treatment. Safe and effective whitening starts with a professional who uses proven methods tailored to individual needs.
About the Author
If you want a dazzling white smile, look no further than Dr. Jonathan Smiley at Smiley Family Dentistry. He’s a talented and dedicated dental expert who loves to help his patients achieve their smile goals. He earned his dental doctorate from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and has advanced training from the Dawson Dental Academy. Call (319) 352-2270 to schedule a teeth whitening treatment or visit the website to discover other services they provide.