Actor Nia Sharma gave her fans a glimpse of a viral home remedy she tried for brighter teeth.
In a video shared on Instagram, she was seen brushing her teeth with a mix of baking soda, salt, coconut oil, and toothpaste, an online hack that claims to reduce stubborn stains. “Today I’m going to brush my teeth with this home hack that I’ve copied from Instagram.” Adding her trademark wit, she even joked, “Khoon woon aa gaya toh abhi bata dungi main aapko,” hinting at the risk of irritation such hacks can bring.
While DIY beauty and wellness remedies often gain quick popularity online, they also raise important questions about safety and long-term effects. Ingredients like baking soda and salt are known for their abrasive nature, and coconut oil has been hailed as a natural cleanser. But when combined, do they really work as intended, or could they end up doing more harm than good to oral health?
Before following trends like these, it’s worth understanding the effectiveness and risks of such practices from an expert.
Can a combination of baking soda, salt, coconut oil, and toothpaste actually help whiten teeth, or is it just a temporary effect?
Dr Niyati Arora, BDS, MDS, a prosthodontist at Krown Hub Dental, tells indianexpress.com, “Baking soda is one of the most common household ingredients known to whiten teeth temporarily — but at the cost of something more important: the protective outer layer of tooth enamel. It removes stains because it contains abrasive particles that help clean the outer surface of the teeth. Similarly, salt, also an abrasive, works in the same way. Massaging oil on the gums or practicing oil pulling may have positive effects on gum health.”
Potential risks of using abrasive ingredients like baking soda and salt on enamel if used regularly
The potential risks include abrasion of the outermost protective layer of tooth enamel, Dr Arora says, which also protects our teeth from sensitivity. In the long run, this can lead to regular sensitivity to hot and cold.
“Enamel is the whitest part of the tooth, and beneath it lies a yellowish layer called dentin. As enamel gets worn down and becomes thinner, the yellow colour of dentin starts to show through, making the teeth appear permanently yellow over time,” explains the expert.
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Safer and more effective alternatives to DIY hacks for removing stubborn stains and achieving whiter teeth
Dr Arora suggests that products containing hydrogen peroxide are known to whiten your teeth by oxidising yellow and brown stains on the surface of your teeth. The appropriate concentration of peroxide products is used in dental offices, as certain steps need to be taken to protect your tongue and gums from the corrosive effects of the hydrogen peroxide.
“Gentler products are available over the counter, but they may take several uses before you see a difference. And its unregulated use can also have similar side effects as discussed in the case of baking soda,” concludes Dr Arora.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
