The trendy fads your dentist wants you to avoid
You can’t read a newspaper, go on social media or flick through a magazine without coming across new beauty trends and must-try fads. The trouble is that there’s a huge amount of conflicting information out there, and health experts believe that many of the trends that are generating a buzz are ineffective, and could even be harmful. With more and more people longing for a perfect smile, there are several high-profile fads dentists want you to avoid.
In recent years, there’s been huge growth in the organic beauty industry. While some natural products are great for the skin and hair, it’s best to steer clear of boutique toothpastes that try and lure consumers in with exotic flavours like cardamom and wasabi. Although they may seem appealing, there’s every chance that they won’t fulfil the role expected of a toothpaste product. Most natural products don’t contain fluoride, a mineral, which is proven to reduce the risk of decay by strengthening the enamel coating.
Another major concern for dentists is whitening kits. In the age of the selfie, a bright, white smile is increasingly sought-after, but there is evidence to suggest that whitening isn’t always safe. Bleaching gels and kits that are sold online may contain higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, which carries a risk of damage to the teeth and chemical burns. For those who are keen to enjoy a whiter smile, the only safe, effective option is to have professional treatment, which is administered by trained, qualified dentists.
If you’re a fan of social media, you’ve probably seen pictures of celebrities promoting charcoal products such as toothpaste. While these adverts claim that the products whiten the teeth and boost oral health, in reality, they can actually be incredibly damaging to the enamel, as charcoal is abrasive. There’s also no evidence to suggest that charcoal toothpastes whiten the teeth.
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