The internet gives people access to so much information they otherwise wouldn’t have. This has been beneficial and enlightening, but it also has a dark side where misinformation or unsafe practices are widely and often unknowingly shared.

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are many ways that people claim you can whiten your teeth, but many of them are unsafe and can damage your tooth’s enamel and dentin. Before trying any of the following tooth whitening tricks, talk to a dentist Park Slope.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinses

The active ingredient in most whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. Some people skip the commercial products and go straight to the pure liquid, rinsing with hydrogen peroxide to whiten their pearlies. This will prove ineffective because whitening products have other agents that work to lighten your tooth color, and the concentration found in commercial products is not the same you’ll find in a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. However, you will succeed in damaging your teeth and gums.

Bleach Pens

A popular video has circulated social media showing a woman whitening her teeth with a bleach gel pen – the same pens meant to clean grout. Bleach is corrosive and can burn and blister your gums. Additionally, if the user mixes the bleach with other chemicals, a nasty reaction may ensue. Dentists can use bleach as a part of their root canal treatment, but the bleach is diluted and not used repeatedly like would happen during a whitening regime. It’s best to stay away from bleach to whiten your teeth.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses

Some people will rinse daily with apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy to whiten their teeth. The problem with this is that ACV is acidic and can erode tooth enamel. Once your enamel has been damaged, your teeth will appear darker, and the damage is not reversible. It’s OK to use diluted ACV to remove plaque from your teeth, but do not rinse with it daily.

Strawberries and Baking Soda Paste

The problem with creating a paste of strawberries and baking soda is similar to why you shouldn’t use apple cider vinegar rinses. Strawberries are acidic because they contain citric acid, which can break down the minerals protecting your teeth. Many people turn to this concoction because strawberries contain malic acid, which is an effective natural tooth whitener, and baking soda contains properties that can lift stains from surfaces. However, you have to sit with this paste on your teeth for an extended period, which means that sugar is coming into contact with your teeth. Repeated exposure to this natural remedy will do more harm to your dental health than good.