Some time ago I wrote about charcoal toothpastes that were becoming quite popular as a method to whiten smiles. At the time, I warned there was no scientific evidence to support the claim these products actually whiten teeth, and they could also cause harm to enamel. Another whitening fad which has made news recently is the practice of using table salt to brush teeth. Once again, I would caution against this practice as there is no science this is effective and may even harm enamel.
The best way to maintain a white smile is to brush twice a day, floss and visit the dentist every 6 months. We have tools in the office which are effective at removing stains. In addition, many whitening products are on the market. These include toothpastes and strips that stick to teeth for a period. Before choosing whitening products look for the American Dental Association seal of approval. You can also find more information about whitening on the ADA consumer website MouthHealthy.org. Finally, Sonoma County Family Dental has a terrific in-house whitening system that is safe and effective. The best part is that it only takes an extra 20 minutes after your cleaning!
