--- title: 5 Dental Fads to Avoid description: While dental fads may provide temporary results, they are not based on science and real information, and can damage your oral health in the long term. image: https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD-5-Dental-Fads-To-Avoid-Blog.png --- [![Golden State](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/header.png?t=1541073636630)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/) - [Home](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com) - [About](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/about) - [Our Team](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/our-team) - [Office Tour](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/office-tour) - [Careers](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/careers) - [Our Services](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/services) - [General Dentistry](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/services-general-dentistry) - [Cosmetic Dentistry](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/services-cosmetic-dentistry) - [Emergency Care](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/services-emergency-care) - [Your Visit](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/your-visit) - [Payment Plans](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/cherry-payment-plans) - [Technology](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/technology) - [Blog](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/contact) # 5 Dental Fads to Avoid June 27, 2019 ![GSD-5-Dental-Fads-To-Avoid-Blog](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-5-Dental-Fads-To-Avoid-Blog.png?width=330&name=GSD-5-Dental-Fads-To-Avoid-Blog.png)Some people go to extreme lengths to enhance their smile and appearance, like giving into dental fads that seem natural and cost very little. However, while these fads may provide temporary results, they are not based on science and real information, and can damage your oral health in the long term. Here are five dental fads to avoid to protect your teeth. ## 1. Charcoal Charcoal is popping up everywhere as an ingredient in cosmetic products, including toothpaste. Approach this fad with caution, as charcoal has not been approved or deemed safe by the American Dental Association (ADA). Especially non-activated charcoal should be avoided at all costs, as it is poisonous. Although activated charcoal is safe, using activated charcoal on teeth may wear away the enamel and make the teeth look more yellow, rather than whitening them.  ## 2. Hydrogen Peroxide You may encounter hydrogen peroxide as an ingredient in many dental products like [mouthwash](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/is-mouthwash-necessary) and toothpaste. Products with safe amounts of hydrogen peroxide have been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). However, hydrogen peroxide should never be used on its own as it can damage your gums and dental tissues. ## 3. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Lemon juice and baking soda together are used as an all-natural teeth whitening solution. Although chemically each of these products can whiten teeth, each can be very damaging to teeth as well. Lemon juice is highly acidic, which can weaken enamel. Baking soda is very abrasive and can wear away the weakened enamel. If you want to brighten your smile, stick to an ADA-approved whitening toothpaste. ## 4. Oil Pulling Oil pulling is the practice of swishing around sunflower, coconut, or sesame oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes to whiten teeth and freshen breath. This method has been used for centuries because there were very few options available. With modern dental care material, oil pulling is no longer relevant, and should never replace regular brushing and flossing. Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence to backup the effectiveness of oil pulling. ## 5. Extreme Diets  Although extreme diets, such as juice cleanses, can help you shed a few extra pounds, they can also compromise your oral health. For example, with juice cleanses, you don't get the calcium, B12, and other vital nutrients to keep your teeth healthy. Juice is also high in acids and sugar, which can damage your enamel and make your mouth vulnerable to bacterial growth. The best thing to do to lose weight is to eat a balanced diet in moderation. Remember, there are no short-cuts to dental health. It is best to stick with the tried-and-true soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and [regular dental visits](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/your-visit) to keep your mouth healthy. Tags: [brushing](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/brushing) [teeth whitening](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/teeth-whitening) [oral health](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/oral-health) [mouthwash](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/mouthwash) [dental hygiene](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-hygiene) [dental health](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-health) [natural remedies](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/natural-remedies) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fdental-fads-to-avoid%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fdental-fads-to-avoid%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fdental-fads-to-avoid%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fdental-fads-to-avoid%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fdental-fads-to-avoid%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fdental-fads-to-avoid%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fdental-fads-to-avoid%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Featured Posts ## [![Scalloped Tongue: Causes and Treatment](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21%20(1).jpg?width=712&name=GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21%20(1).jpg) Scalloped Tongue: Causes and Treatment January 27, 2022](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/scalloped-tongue-causes-treatment) ## [![A Bruised Tooth: What is It and What to Do About It?](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Bruised-Sprained-Tooth-Blog-12.19.23-2.jpeg?width=712&name=GSD-Bruised-Sprained-Tooth-Blog-12.19.23-2.jpeg) A Bruised Tooth: What is It and What to Do About It? December 19, 2023](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/a-bruised-tooth-what-is-it-and-what-to-do-about-it) ## [![White Spots on Teeth - Causes, Treatment, and Prevention](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-BLOG-White-Spots-On-Teeth-Causes-Treatment-Prevention-07.29.21-1.jpg?width=712&name=GSD-BLOG-White-Spots-On-Teeth-Causes-Treatment-Prevention-07.29.21-1.jpg) White Spots on Teeth - Causes, Treatment, and Prevention July 29, 2021](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/white-spots-on-teeth-causes-treatment-and-prevention) ### Recent Posts [![What to Expect at Your First Dental Visit (Step-by-Step Guide)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-What-To-Expect-First-Dental-Visit-Walnut-Creek-BLOG-06.10.25.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-What-To-Expect-First-Dental-Visit-Walnut-Creek-BLOG-06.10.25.jpeg "What to Expect at Your First Dental Visit (Step-by-Step Guide)")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/what-to-expect-at-your-first-dental-visit-step-by-step-guide) ## [What to Expect at Your First Dental Visit (Step-by-Step Guide)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/what-to-expect-at-your-first-dental-visit-step-by-step-guide) June 10, 2025 [![7 Signs It's Time to See a Dentist (Even If Nothing Hurts)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Signs-To-See-Dentist-Blog-04.16.25-3.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Signs-To-See-Dentist-Blog-04.16.25-3.jpeg "7 Signs It's Time to See a Dentist (Even If Nothing Hurts)")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/7-signs-its-time-to-see-a-dentist-even-if-nothing-hurts) ## [7 Signs It's Time to See a Dentist (Even If Nothing Hurts)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/7-signs-its-time-to-see-a-dentist-even-if-nothing-hurts) April 16, 2025 [![Canker Sores: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Canker-Sores-Symptoms-Blog-03.26.25-3.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Canker-Sores-Symptoms-Blog-03.26.25-3.jpeg "Canker Sores: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/canker-sores-causes-treatment-and-prevention) ## [Canker Sores: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/canker-sores-causes-treatment-and-prevention) March 26, 2025 [![Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Dry-Mouth-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment-Blog-03.18.25-2.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Dry-Mouth-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment-Blog-03.18.25-2.jpeg "Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/dry-mouth-causes-symptoms-and-treatment) ## [Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/dry-mouth-causes-symptoms-and-treatment) March 18, 2025 [![The Surprising Connection Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Periodontal-Gum-Disease-Everything-to-Know-02.10.25-2-1.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Periodontal-Gum-Disease-Everything-to-Know-02.10.25-2-1.jpeg "The Surprising Connection Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/the-surprising-connection-between-gum-disease-and-your-overall-health) ## [The Surprising Connection Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/the-surprising-connection-between-gum-disease-and-your-overall-health) February 20, 2025 [![Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Everything You Need to Know](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Periodontal-Gum-Disease-Everything-to-Know-02.10.25-2.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Periodontal-Gum-Disease-Everything-to-Know-02.10.25-2.jpeg "Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Everything You Need to Know")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/periodontal-disease-gum-disease-everything-you-need-to-know) ## [Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Everything You Need to Know](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/periodontal-disease-gum-disease-everything-you-need-to-know) February 10, 2025 [![5 Christmas Dental Tips: Maintaining Good Oral Health Through the Holidays](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-5-Christmas-Dental-Tips-12.24.24-2.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-5-Christmas-Dental-Tips-12.24.24-2.jpeg "5 Christmas Dental Tips: Maintaining Good Oral Health Through the Holidays")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/christmas-dental-tips-maintaining-good-oral-health-through-the-holidays) ## [5 Christmas Dental Tips: Maintaining Good Oral Health Through the Holidays](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/christmas-dental-tips-maintaining-good-oral-health-through-the-holidays) December 24, 2024 [![11 Reasons You Cannot Get Numb at the Dentist](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-11-Reasons-You-Cannot-Get-Numb-At-Dentist-11.11.24-2.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-11-Reasons-You-Cannot-Get-Numb-At-Dentist-11.11.24-2.jpeg "11 Reasons You Cannot Get Numb at the Dentist")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/10-reasons-you-cannot-get-numb-at-the-dentist) ## [11 Reasons You Cannot Get Numb at the Dentist](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/10-reasons-you-cannot-get-numb-at-the-dentist) November 11, 2024 [![5 Common Dental Emergencies That Require An Immediate Dental Visit](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Common-Dental-emergencies-10.23.24-2.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Common-Dental-emergencies-10.23.24-2.jpeg "5 Common Dental Emergencies That Require An Immediate Dental Visit")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/5-common-dental-emergencies-that-require-an-immediate-dental-visit) ## [5 Common Dental Emergencies That Require An Immediate Dental Visit](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/5-common-dental-emergencies-that-require-an-immediate-dental-visit) October 23, 2024 [![Combatting Plaque Buildup: A Guide to Preventing Tooth Decay](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-How-to-Combat-Dental-Plaque-07.22.24-2%20(1).jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-How-to-Combat-Dental-Plaque-07.22.24-2%20(1).jpeg "Combatting Plaque Buildup: A Guide to Preventing Tooth Decay")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/combatting-plaque-buildup-a-guide-to-preventing-tooth-decay) ## [Combatting Plaque Buildup: A Guide to Preventing Tooth Decay](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/combatting-plaque-buildup-a-guide-to-preventing-tooth-decay) October 9, 2024 ### Archive - [February 2019 (5)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/02) - [November 2018 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2018/11) - [January 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/01) - [March 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/03) - [April 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/04) - [May 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/05) - [June 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/06) - [July 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/07) - [August 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/08) - [September 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/09) - [October 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/10) - [October 2024 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2024/10) - [March 2015 (2)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2015/03) - [August 2015 (2)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2015/08) - [September 2015 (2)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2015/09) ### Search By Tags - [oral health (51)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/oral-health) - [dental health (45)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-health) - [dental hygiene (24)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-hygiene) - [dental treatment (24)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-treatment) - [brushing (19)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/brushing) - [gum disease (19)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/gum-disease) - [periodontal disease (19)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/periodontal-disease) - [teeth whitening (16)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/teeth-whitening) - [tips (16)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/tips) - [cosmetic dentistry (14)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/cosmetic-dentistry) - [plaque (14)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/plaque) - [tooth sensitivity (13)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/tooth-sensitivity) - [bad breath (12)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/bad-breath) - [restorative services (12)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/restorative-services) - [diet (11)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/diet) - [bruxism (10)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/bruxism) - [teeth grinding (10)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/teeth-grinding) - [bleeding gums (9)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/bleeding-gums) - [crooked teeth (9)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/crooked-teeth) - [dental cleaning (9)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-cleaning) ### Subscribe To Our Blog ## Call and schedule an appointment! (925) 705-7093 2161 Ygnacio Valley Rd Suite 101, Walnut Creek Tuesday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm ## Connect with us - [![Facebook](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-State-Dentistry/964036773606457?fref=ts) - [![Instagram](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/goldenstatedentistry) - [![Twitter](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/twitter-1.png)](https://twitter.com/G_S_Dentistry) - [![Linkedin](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/linkedin-1.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/golden-state-dentistry) © 2015 by Golden State Dentistry All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Galina Y", "url" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/author/galina-y" }, "dateModified" : "2019-06-27T15:32:10.524Z", "datePublished" : "2019-06-27T15:32:00.000Z", "headline" : "5 Dental Fads to Avoid", "image" : [ "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD-5-Dental-Fads-To-Avoid-Blog.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/dental-fads-to-avoid", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD%20Final%20Logo%202022_Updated_%20Not%20Outlined%20Text.jpg" }, "name" : "Golden State Dentistry" } } ```