Turmeric Teeth Whitening (What the Science Says)

Ever wonder if there’s a natural alternative to expensive teeth-whitening products? Turmeric, the spice often used in curries, might just be the answer.

While not as potent as professional treatments, turmeric has shown promise in gently brightening teeth and improving oral health.

In this article, we’ll discuss its teeth-whitening properties, explore different methods of using it for oral care, and discuss potential benefits and side effects.

Can Turmeric Actually Whiten Teeth?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a yellow-orange spice typically used to add flavor and color to food. Some places, like India and China, use it as an ingredient for traditional medicine.

Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that turmeric might help remove surface stains due to its mild abrasiveness. It might not be as potent as professional whitening treatments, but it can offer a gentle, natural way to brighten your smile over time.

However, it’s important to remember that turmeric is not a replacement for brushing your teeth. If you want to use turmeric to whiten your teeth, remember to brush and floss. 

How to Whiten Teeth with Turmeric

Before you can start using turmeric to whiten your teeth, you need to make your own turmeric paste. Fortunately, making the paste is simple and requires just a few ingredients. 

These ingredients include:

• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cold-pressed coconut oil (optional)

Apply the paste to your teeth for a few minutes. You can also use a toothbrush to brush the paste onto your teeth. Spit it out after use and rinse your mouth with water.

Some people chew turmeric root to whiten their teeth, then spit it out and rinse with water. However, this process can take a lot of time since they need to chew the root around every individual tooth.

Is Turmeric Safe to Use For Oral Care?

Most turmeric products are safe and non-toxic when used as recommended. Around 40 to 85% of consumed turmeric passes through the digestive tract unchanged.

However, it can potentially cause some problems. Adverse effects that may occur with turmeric include:

• Upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea
• Allergic skin reactions
• Interference with the formation of blood clots 

What are the Other Benefits of Turmeric?

Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and redness. Its active compound, curcumin, is also a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals that can damage cells. 

Turmeric helps protect oral tissues by neutralizing these free radicals. It even promotes a healthy environment for teeth and gums to flourish. It also has antimicrobial properties which can prevent the growth of microbes like bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Turmeric’s overall potential benefits include:

• Reducing dental pain
• Providing relief from periodontitis and gingivitis
• Preventing plaque formation and gingivitis
• Improve scaling and root planning

Because of its various benefits, turmeric can also reduce the likelihood of lesions such as leukoplakia and lichen planus from becoming cancerous.