In healthcare, recommendations from health professionals, such as dentists, should be backed by scientific evidence. There are some practices that you may find suggested on the internet as safe and effective, that are not backed by scientific evidence.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves placing a tablespoon of oil (such as coconut or sesame oil) in the mouth and swishing it around. The oil is pulled around the mouth and through the teeth for up to 20 minutes before it is spat out.
Currently, there are no reliable scientific studies to show that oil pulling reduces tooth decay development, whitens teeth, or improves the health of the mouth or body.
Serious harm from oil pulling is unlikely. Cases of lipoid pneumonia (oil entering the lungs) from accidentally breathing in the oil have been reported, particularly in people who have trouble swallowing.
Natural tooth whitening remedies
Natural tooth whitening remedies using methods that are suggested online include mixing strawberries with baking soda, brushing with activated charcoal powder, rubbing banana peel on the teeth, or rinsing the mouth with apple cider vinegar will not make the teeth whiter in colour. These methods may instead have negative effects on the teeth such as wearing away tooth enamel and making them more sensitive to cold.
Dental products that include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the main ingredient to whiten teeth will be the most effective option. This includes the teeth whitening gels that dentists use for in-chair teeth whitening treatments and give to patients to use at home to whiten their teeth. It also includes some toothpastes that aim to whiten teeth. Teeth whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide should be used under the care of a dental professional to ensure they are used safely and correctly.
Fluoride-free toothpaste
Fluoride-free toothpaste is toothpaste that does not include the ingredient fluoride. Using toothpaste that contains fluoride can help protect the teeth against tooth decay and strengthen the tooth surface. Toothbrushing using toothpaste without fluoride may increase your risk of developing tooth decay. Using fluoride toothpaste when brushing can help to reduce the risk of developing tooth decay and enamel erosion.
Some toothpaste manufacturers have replaced the fluoride with an ingredient called hydroxyapatite. There is insufficient evidence that shows these toothpastes are effective in decreasing the risk of tooth decay developing, compared to fluoride toothpastes.
Essential oils
Essential oils such as clove, tea tree and peppermint oil are natural home remedies that are suggested to treat tooth pain. Clove contains the ingredient eugenol that is used in some dental products. It has natural numbing properties and is able to reduce inflammation. These oils may reduce tooth pain for a short amount of time, but it is best to seek treatment from a dentist.
Applying undiluted essential oils to the surface of the gums can cause irritation such as burning, swelling and redness.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the inserting of needles ("acu") into the skin ("puncture"). It is commonly performed for the treatment of pain. In dentistry, the use of acupuncture has been suggested for the management of dental pain, dental anxiety, nausea, and gag reflexes, but despite decades of research there is no convincing evidence that acupuncture is any more effective than a placebo for the relief or treatment of any medical or dental condition.