Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Im curious if there is a more paleo approach to whitening your teeth? The store bought whiteners cause my inner cheek skin to peel. I imagine this isn't good.

flag	asked Feb 10 2011 at 21:20 Caveman formally known as Dan 4,873●3●17●53

did you try the oil swish? – g. Jun 29 2011 at 5:22

Yes, it works well. – Caveman formally known as Dan Jun 29 2011 at 14:15

cool! :) – g. Jun 29 2011 at 22:40

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Check out this article about toothpaste (or lack there of) and whitening.. tell me what you think fondalashay.com/mintchilli/… – Fonda Aug 18 2011 at 13:17

g. · Accepted Answer · 2011-04-22 15:24:49Z UTC

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i know this is an old post, but maybe i can save a couple of folks from gross chemicals and tons of money --

ok, it sounds super crazy and the info you find will be wacky, but "oil-pulling" i.e. swishing oil around in your mouth for about 15-30 min daily - ACTUALLY WHITENED MY TEETH. no joke. i saw results like 5 days in and stopped after 12. google it.

edited Apr 22 2011 at 15:24

answered Apr 22 2011 at 6:08

g.
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	What kind of oil? – Caveman formally known as Dan Apr 23 2011 at 7:09
	From what i understand, nut oils are preferred. I mostly used sunflower oil, because back then I had some, and it's inexpensive. But I also used coconut oil, which i found slightly more palatable. Either way, it's not so fun - but way better than the goop or strips! After the swish i would brush with baking soda as per the instructions i read online. Maybe it was the baking soda that made my teeth whiter (i doubt it), but whatever it was, I was expecting nothing and was really surprised when i noticed that my teeth were actually getting brighter. – g. Apr 23 2011 at 8:15

being · Answer 2 · 2011-02-10 21:50:00Z UTC

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dip your toothbrush into hydrogen peroxide, then baking soda and brush away. follow with toothpaste if its gross in your mouth.

answered Feb 10 2011 at 21:50

being
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I brush with Baking soda and notice if buffs them up nicely. Might add some Hydrogen peroxide. Thanks :) – Todd Feb 10 2011 at 22:27

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For the UK folks, you can find 'Hydrogen Peroxide' through a few online chemist. It's standard in all stores in the US. Keep in mind that in the US it normally comes in 3% concentrations. Make sure to dilute to match that. – sean Feb 10 2011 at 22:47

good to know, sean! thanks! – being Feb 11 2011 at 0:00

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How is hydrogen peroxide or baking soda remotely paleo? Baking soda is very abrasive, and only whitens your teeth by literally wearing away the stains on the enamel. Hydrogen peroxide bleaches your teeth in the same way as store bought whiteners, and also damages enamel. You can cause slow, gradual whitening by promoting remineralization with xylitol, fluoride, cranberry extract, rectifying vitamin and mineral imbalances, reducing cariogenic challenges (like grains/sugar) and enamel-safe brushing/flossing/mouthwashes. – Jayan Feb 11 2011 at 8:31

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jay, because they are naturally occurring compounds. – being Feb 11 2011 at 16:57

show 4 more comments

Efaitch · Answer 3 · 2011-02-10 22:14:25Z UTC

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My teeth became whiter as I stopped eating grains. Give it time perhaps?

I've also noticed that my teeth (when eating LC) don't get furry anymore.

answered Feb 10 2011 at 22:14

Efaitch
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	mine too! less plaque as well.. a nice perk! – Cara Feb 10 2011 at 23:32
	I've noticed all the same things. Very cool perk. – becker Apr 19 2011 at 21:16

Egk · Answer 4 · 2011-02-11 01:35:28Z UTC

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This dentist maintains that baking soda will eventually causer gum recession http://askdrellie.blogspot.com/search?q=baking+soda+gums

She advocates minimally invasive dentistry and if Paleo isn't enough to resolve any dental issues you may have, her blog is well worth a look. She feels that cares, the disease that causes cavities, can have a contagious component. This could be important for the Paleo in a household with non paleos

answered Feb 11 2011 at 1:35

Egk
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My dentist told me the same thing, and he said it was because of the abrasiveness of baking soda. When I asked him what would happen if I dissolved the baking soda in a little water first, thus eliminating the abrasiveness, he kind of got a blank, dumbfounded look on his face, like doing that had never occured to him, and then had to admit that he didn't know. I snickered all the way home. – Helen Feb 11 2011 at 5:06

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The whitening effect of baking soda comes from the abrasiveness. When dissolved, it would only temporarily increase the pH, perhaps reducing decay. But it may still cause gum recession and kill the beneficial biofilms on your teeth. – Jayan Feb 11 2011 at 8:44

I would rather take my chances with baking soda than use fluoride, a known and very powerful enzyme disruptor. – Helen Feb 11 2011 at 18:50

oak0y · Answer 5 · 2011-04-22 08:55:05Z UTC

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Did you folks hear on teatree oil?

answered Apr 22 2011 at 8:55

oak0y

	don't use tea tree oil internally. – tartare Apr 22 2011 at 15:52
	they also sell it in organic tooth paste. why not use tea tree oil? – oak0y Apr 22 2011 at 15:56

ben61820 · Answer 6 · 2011-04-22 15:48:49Z UTC

I have been using a dry mixture of one part sea salt to three parts baking soda.

moisten brush, dip into dry mixture, and brush normally.

Leaves you crisp and clean, with no residue. This has markedly whitened my teeth, too.

I've been doing this for about 9 months and I love it.

nickmattos2 · Answer 7 · 2011-04-22 17:34:35Z UTC

I combine 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water and swish it around in my mouth for about a minute before I brush my teeth in the morning and evening. Works quite well — my teeth were significantly whiter within a week of regular use. Be sure not to swallow the hydrogen peroxide, though! I also like Weleda Ratanhia Mouthwash Concentrate and use that after I brush — it's around $6 on vitacost.com and it's so concentrated that one bottle will last you six months. Healthy gums help your teeth look whiter, too!

Teeth Whitening

7 Answers