Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri, a dentist and social media influencer, has issued a stark warning about the dangers of popular DIY teeth whitening hacks. In a recent TikTok video, Dr. Manouchehri advised against using home remedies such as lemon juice, baking soda, and charcoal for teeth whitening, citing potential risks of severe dental damage.
Dr. Manouchehri explained that while these methods are often promoted as effective, they can ultimately cause more harm than good. “If you’re using abrasive substances like lemon juice, bicarbonate of soda, or charcoal, you might be making your teeth more yellow,” she stated.
The issue with these methods lies in their abrasive nature. They are intended to remove stains from the surface of the teeth, but this abrasive action also wears away the tooth enamel. Enamel, the tooth’s outermost layer and the whitest part of the tooth, is crucial for protecting the underlying dentine, which is naturally yellow. When enamel is eroded, the yellow dentine becomes exposed, resulting in a discolored appearance.
Dr. Manouchehri further warned that this enamel loss can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and other issues. “Enamel does not regenerate because it lacks living cells,” she said. “Therefore, once it is lost, it cannot be replaced.”
For those seeking effective and safe teeth whitening solutions, Dr. Manouchehri advocates for professional treatments conducted by a dentist. Despite the time and financial investment required, she asserts that professional whitening offers predictable, safe results with a single treatment. “The best approach is to visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening. It’s a worthwhile investment for safe, reliable results that will leave you satisfied,” she concluded.
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