This anti-stain spice can actually be used on your teeth

Turmeric has advantages that are not just limited to the kitchen. This anti-staining spice can also be used in your bathroom. Or more precisely, on the teeth. “Turmeric has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes because it helps reduce inflammation,” says a plastic dentist Eden dental aesthetics, says Dr. Brandon Mack in an interview with ESSENCE. “There are studies that have shown that turmeric helps treat gingivitis or causes radiation to inflame a patient’s gums.”

Below, Dr. Mack tells us all the things you have to know concerning the health advantages of turmeric for your oral health.

What is turmeric?

According to the NIH, turmeric is a plant belongs to the ginger family and comes from Southeast Asia (mainly India). From respiratory treatments to skin disorders and digestion, the spice is a typical tool in Ayurveda and other traditional Indian medical practices. Turmeric is understood to have anti-inflammatory properties that help fight infections, pimples, headaches, and other ailments.

What are the oral advantages of turmeric?

Research shows Turmeric can be used to treat gingivitis and control gum inflammation. “There are also studies that have shown its effectiveness in fighting plaque when combined with regular brushing and flossing,” says Dr. Mack. According to WebMD, Turmeric can help reduce bacteria which, in consequence, prevents caries and alleviates infections.

How to make use of turmeric for teeth?

Before you test the advantages at home, it is important to learn the most effective methods for using turmeric in your day by day oral care routine. “There are dental products on the market that contain turmeric in toothpastes, gels and mouth rinses,” he says. You can also prepare mouthwash by boiling turmeric powder and other ingredients (reminiscent of cloves and guava leaves) after which bubbling it once it cools down. This may help treat gingivitis and periodontal disease. Mack suggests that you just “do your research and then talk to your dentist about how best to use the product.”

Can you whiten your teeth with turmeric?

Rumor has it that this anti-staining spice can, satirically, whiten your teeth. However, “there have been no studies that show that turmeric whitens teeth,” he says. “Most of its uses are for the patient’s gums and controlling inflammation in the mouth.” While turmeric doesn’t have any proven teeth-whitening properties, “some turmeric products contain ingredients such as baking soda, which is known to naturally whiten teeth.”

Are there any risks related to using it?

“If you use temporary veneers, stay away from turmeric,” he says. “Due to the porous nature of the temporary veneer material, it turns a turmeric color and the temporary veneers turn a yellow-orange color.” Otherwise, using turmeric for oral hygiene carries no known risks (unless you’re allergic, in fact). However, if you could have specific concerns, it’s best to seek the advice of your doctor before use.

Other natural teeth whitening options

Although turmeric has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties, it just isn’t the most effective for whitening teeth. That’s why Mack recommends products containing baking soda, calcium carbonate or hydrated silica as a complete alternative. “Patients can find natural or holistic products that contain these ingredients,” he says, along with using turmeric.