Are bananas a delicious and nutritious on-the-go snack? Of course! But does a banana peel whiten your teeth? Hmm, that warrants a deeper dive. Let's find out what the science says about this teeth whitening trend...
Banana Peel Teeth Whitening: Will It Give You a Brighter Smile?
What Is Banana Peel Teeth Whitening?
First off, there’s no doubting that fruits like bananas are an essential part of a nutritious diet, as stated by Health Canada. Your typical banana contains:
- 422 mg of potassium
- 32 mg of magnesium
- 3 grams of fibre
It’s the banana’s high mineral value that leads some to say that the peel can be great for whitening. The word on the web is that you rub the inside of the peel on your teeth before or after brushing for a few minutes, and whiter teeth will follow in just a few weeks.
Does Banana Peel Teeth Whitening Work?
Now the evidence in support of this trend is purely anecdotal. You may have seen it posted, shared, or blogged. But when it comes to removing stains from teeth, there aren’t any scientific studies that say banana peels are up to the job.
According to a 2022 study in the Brazilian Dental Journal, animal teeth treated with banana peels did not show any significant whitening. In fact, by the end of the study, those teeth had taken on a slightly yellow tinge. So are bananas healthy? Sure! But can they whiten your teeth? The science says no. Our apologies to banana fans everywhere!
Teeth Whitening Alternatives
Fortunately, there are still some effective options to whiten your teeth: Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and soft toothbrush, as recommended by the Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association (ODHA).
- Brush with a whitening toothpaste
- For best results, contact your dentist.
- A professional teeth whitening can typically remove more stains and achieve a brighter, whiter smile faster than at-home treatments.
Each whitening option has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s best to discuss them with a dental professional to find the right one for you.
Enjoy your bananas, but don't rely on the peels for a brighter smile. Pop them in the trash and give your dental professional a call to discuss your whitening options.
