Can You Use A Magic Eraser On Your Teeth?
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blog post will address the question,”can you use a magic eraser on your teeth?” and cover topics like is magic eraser a melamine foam, what does research say, teeth whitening products to get whiter teeth, 5 natural remedies to get rid of yellow teeth and tips to avoid teeth staining.
Can You Use A Magic Eraser On Your Teeth?
No, you should not use a magic eraser on your teeth. Magic eraser is a cleaning pad loaded with harmful chemicals that may cause severe damage to your oral cavity and teeth.
Magic erasers are not meant to be used on any of the body parts and hence it is strongly recommended not to use them on your teeth.
Magic erasers are strictly made for household use and are abrasives that may cause permanent damage to your enamel, weakening the teeth and resulting in sensitivity.
Is Magic Eraser A Melamine Foam?
Yes, magic eraser is a generic name for melamine foam. Melamine foam has been advocated by many websites on the internet for use on teeth to remove stains.
Let’s find out what research has to say about melamine foam and its use as a teeth stain removal material.
What Does Research Say?
Study of melamine foam as a tool to remove stains from the teeth has only been carried out on extracted teeth and some artificial teeth made with composite resin. There is a lack of evidence on the use of melamine foam on natural teeth to remove stains.
According to a study, melamine foam used on an extracted tooth removed stains effectively with minimum scratches. The study concluded that melamine sponge can be used easily and effectively at home and in dental offices to remove dental stains.
Another study reported that melamine sponge can be effectively used to remove stains on composite resin artificial teeth with minimal wear.
However, there is no sufficient evidence to prove the efficiency of melamine sponge or magic erasers in removing the dental stains under natural conditions on natural teeth.
Hence, it is advised to consult your dentist before using melamine sponge or magic erasers or any such products.
Teeth Whitening Products To Get Whiter Teeth
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are an over-the-counter, very thin and invisible teeth whitening product containing peroxide-based whitening gel.
The strips are applied following the instructions printed on the label.
It takes a few days for the initial results to appear and almost 4 months for the final results.
Whitening strips can be uncomfortable on your teeth and gums if not properly used.
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains and lighten the tooth color by one shade.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Gels
Whitening gels are peroxide-based gels applied directly to the teeth surface with a small brush.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses are among the newest whitening products available.
Whitening rinses apart from whitening the teeth, also results in fresh breath and prevention of plaque accumulation.
Tray-based teeth whiteners
Tray-based teeth whitening systems can be purchased either over-the-counter or from a dentist,
It is similar to a mouth-guard tray but has peroxide as a bleaching agent.
5 Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Yellow Teeth
Homemade Toothpaste Containing Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide
Homemade toothpaste containing 1 tablespoon baking soda mixed with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, helps to reduce yellowing of the teeth.
A study reported toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to be effective in reducing tooth staining and improving whiteness.
Vitamin C
Some studies have reported vitamin C to reduce periodontitis and thereby reducing discoloration of teeth. However, further research is required to confirm these reports.
Add Fruit Enzymes To Toothpaste
According to a study, papain enzyme from the papaya fruit and bromelain enzyme from pineapples play a significant role in reducing tooth stains when added to toothpaste.
Whitening Effect Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar when used in small quantities may prove to be an effective whitener for your teeth.
However, in large quantities or regular use may harm the tooth by eroding away the enamel.
Coconut Oil Rinse
A study concluded coconut oil pulling or swishing in the mouth to be an effective way to reduce plaque buildup on the teeth resulting in lighter shade on your teeth.
Tips To Avoid Teeth Staining
- Choose An Appropriate Toothbrush
Choosing an appropriate toothbrush is the first and most important step towards toothbrushing. Yet, this is neglected by most of the people.
Toothbrushes with more rounded bristles are soft to your teeth and are considered to be an ideal toothbrush to use.
- Do Not Immediately Brush after Eating Acidic Foods
You must wait for 30 minutes to one hour after consumption of acidic foods and drinks. The acid in the food or drink otherwise may erode the enamel layer and regular habit may cause exposed dentin leading to pain and sensitivity and increased risk of developing cavities.
- Use Gentle and Short Strokes When Brushing Your Teeth
Use gentle, short strokes to brush your front teeth and thoroughly clean your mouth without abrading the enamel.
Brush the outside surfaces as well as the back molars and upper areas of your chewing surfaces. Brush the inside surfaces of both top and bottom front teeth by flipping your toothbrush upside down.
Brush your tongue to get rid of any bacteria or plaque.
- Use A Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride can greatly help achieve oral and dental health by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay.
Fluoride reduces the amount of acid produced by the bacteria on your mouth.
- Floss Daily To Get Maximum Benefits Out Of Tooth Brushing
Many people, despite knowing the benefits of flossing daily, just neglect it.
According to a study, flossing is highly effective in reducing the interproximal caries risk.
Daily floss can help stimulate your gums and reduce plaque leading to lesser inflammation risk.
- Consider Mouthwash
Therapeutic mouthwashes as the name suggests have therapeutic action and control dental conditions like gingivitis, tooth decay and periodontal diseases. They also help remove halitosis.
Therapeutic Mouthwashes contain ADA listed active ingredients such as fluoride, peroxide, essential oils, cetylpyridinium chloride, and chlorhexidine, all regulated by the FDA.
- See Your Dentist At Least Twice A Year
It is important to get your oral health checked twice every year with an interval of 6 months between two visits.
Your dentist can help remove calculus and locate cavities and will also be able to spot potential oral health issues, if any, and offer treatment solutions.
Conclusion
This blog post addressed the question,”Can You Use A Magic Eraser On Your Teeth?” and covered topics like is magic eraser a melamine foam, what does research say, teeth whitening products to get whiter teeth, 5 natural remedies to get rid of yellow teeth and tips to avoid teeth staining.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can You Use A Magic Eraser On Your Teeth?
Can Yellow Teeth Become White
Yes. Yellow teeth can become white again by undergoing the whitening process as recommended by your dentist and your dental hygienist.
At-home whitening procedures can help get rid of yellow teeth when combined with in-office whitening procedures.
Are yellow teeth permanent?
No. Yellow teeth can be made whiter by a combination of in-office bleaching with help of dental professionals and at-home self bleaching methods.
There are many reasons for your teeth turning yellow. It may be due to thinning of enamel and dentin due to regular and continuous aggressive brushing, or smoking or tobacco chewing, or staining from tea and coffee, or excess use of fluoride.
Can you reverse yellow teeth by brushing?
Brushing can help reduce the yellowish discoloration or stain on your teeth by removing the plaque that builds up and leads to yellowish stain.
However, if the yellowing of teeth is due to any intrinsic cause then you may require bleaching or tooth whitening treatments.
It is always better to consult your dentist or dental hygienist for the same.
You must also give up on coffee and tea and drinks and food that cause staining and give up smoking or any form of tobacco.
How can I make my yellow teeth permanently white?
To whiten teeth quickly and permanently you can use homemade toothpaste containing 1 tablespoon baking soda mixed with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide that helps to reduce yellowing of the teeth.
It is advised to use the homemade paste combination only a few times per week to avoid erosion and weakening of your tooth enamel.
How long does it take for yellow teeth to go back to white?
It takes about 1-2 weeks for teeth with a natural yellow shade to go back to white, whereas teeth with a blue or grey or darker shade can take twice as long.
The whitening procedure you are using, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in your product and the frequency with which you are using the product, all these factors determine the time it will take for yellow teeth to go back to white.
Are yellow teeth healthy?
Yellow teeth may be due to your genetics and therefore can be perfectly healthy.
Some people have darker dentin genetically that gives their teeth off-white or yellowish appearance.
However, if the yellowing of teeth has gradually occurred or is due to any injury or medications or may be due to continuous enamel abrasion, then it is not too healthy.
References:
Is It Safe to Use a Magic Eraser On Your Teeth? | Shape
Effect of Melamine Sponge on Tooth Stain Removal – PubMed
Effect of melamine foam cleaning on the surface condition of composite resin artificial teeth – PubMed
Teeth Whitening. (2019)
Natural Remedies. (2018)
11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy. (2019)