Herbs and spices that could be easily found while foraging were often used not only for medicinal reasons, but also for oral health. Before toothpaste and toothbrushes were ever made to be purchased off of a shelf, spices like turmeric were used to help clean teeth, soothe joint pain, and much more. Today, it’s most popular for DIY teeth whitening. The only question is, can it actually do that? Read on to learn about the many oral health uses of turmeric and whether it can actually brighten your smile.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric, also referred to as curcuma and curcumin, belongs to the same family of herbs as ginger, called Curcuma Longa, which is why both look so identical from their outside appearance! However, once you slice into turmeric, it has a brilliant orange color that can be dried, made into pastes, powders, and added to different healthcare products and foods for its various benefits.
Can Turmeric Benefit Your Oral Health?
Before Western medicine ever existed, turmeric was being used in a number of Asian cultures for its medicinal benefits. Not only can it help soothe joint pain and boost immunity, but it can also be used to benefit your oral health. Some of these uses include:
- Minimize gum inflammation, which is a common sign of the early stages of gum disease (or gingivitis).
- Control plaque accumulation by rinsing with a turmeric mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing.
- Potential antibacterial and wound healing properties for oral sores and cuts within the mouth.
Many of these effects are due to the compound curcumin that’s found in turmeric. It has antioxidant properties to reduce inflammation, can keep platelets from clumping together to form clots, and naturally features antibacterial properties.
Can You Actually Use Turmeric to Whiten Teeth?
One of the most recent developments of turmeric and oral health and hygiene is that it can whiten your teeth. While there’s no scientific evidence that turmeric can do this, many individuals claim that turmeric toothpaste has helped brighten their smiles. Some believe that’s because natural toothpastes that contain turmeric also have whitening agents like baking soda in them, which could be what’s actually brightening their smile.
What are the Downsides of DIY Teeth Whitening?
While DIY teeth whitening is a route that countless people use to address minor dental stains, there are a few downsides. Natural oral health and hygiene products typically aren’t approved by the American Dental Association, which means there’s not enough clinical research and testing available to prove that the ingredients they contain are safe and effective. However, that doesn’t stop many people from trying them.
If you’re looking for results that are virtually guaranteed when it comes to teeth whitening or addressing other cosmetic dental flaws, it may be useful to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. The products they use are not only proven to brighten smiles by up to eight shades, but also offer lasting results that won’t negatively impact your oral health.
About the Practice
At My Dentist Midtown, Drs. Stephanie Flinchum and Areon Smith are highly skilled cosmetic dentists who utilize the safest and highest quality materials and ingredients to help patients transform their smiles. From basic professional teeth whitening to other offerings like BOTOX and gum recontouring, they offer a large menu of services to help you meet your smile goals. Visit our website or call 918-262-5622 to schedule an appointment today.