Using banana peels on your teeth has become an increasingly popular natural teeth whitening method. Many people claim rubbing banana peel directly on your teeth can help remove stains and whiten teeth. But does it really work? And is it safe? Here’s a look at the science behind using banana peels for whiter teeth.
Do banana peels whiten teeth?
Bananas contain nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. They also contain antioxidants and enzymes like catalase and peroxidase. Some of these compounds may help break down and remove stains on your teeth.
For example, manganese acts as an oxidizing agent and may help whiten teeth by reacting with and breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The oxygen can then lift surface stains on teeth. Meanwhile, enzymes like catalase and peroxidase help break down hydrogen peroxide into less abrasive compounds, which may aid teeth whitening.
However, there is limited scientific evidence directly testing whether rubbing banana peel on your teeth effectively whitens them. Only a few small studies have researched the teeth whitening effects of banana peels.
One study had 10 participants rub banana peel on their teeth for 2 weeks. It found minimal reductions in yellowness compared to control teeth. Another study found that banana peel extract showed some teeth bleaching effects when tested on cow teeth in a lab.
Overall, while banana peels contain some compounds that may theoretically aid teeth whitening, there is currently a lack of robust clinical studies proving their effectiveness.
How to use banana peels on your teeth
If you want to try using banana peel on your teeth, here are some tips:
- Use a ripe, fresh banana peel. The riper the banana, the more enzymes and nutrients it contains.
- Rub the inside of the peel directly on your teeth for 2 minutes.
- Do this 1-2 times per day for several weeks.
- Target stains in specific areas like fronts of teeth.
- Rinse mouth afterwards and brush normally.
You can also try leaving a banana peel on your teeth for longer periods. For example, you could rub on a peel and leave it on for 5-30 minutes before rinsing.
Additionally, some people advocate brushing powdered banana peel directly onto teeth using a soft toothbrush. Simply freeze and blend a peel into a powder before brushing it onto your teeth.
Benefits of using banana peel on teeth
Below are some potential benefits of trying to whiten your teeth with banana peel:
- Natural method – Banana peel is a natural alternative to harsher teeth whitening chemicals.
- Easy and convenient – Bananas are cheap and readily available. Using the peel takes little time.
- Minimally abrasive – Rubbing a banana peel seems unlikely to damage enamel like over-brushing.
- Contains beneficial nutrients – Bananas and their peels deliver useful vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- No harsh chemicals – Banana peels don’t contain bleaching agents that can sometimes irritate gums or teeth.
Using banana peel avoids the high cost of professional teeth whitening treatments. It also skips the potential risks from whitening products with hydrogen peroxide or harsh abrasives. For many people, trying banana peels represents an affordable, convenient, low-risk teeth whitening option.
Risks and side effects
Banana peels do not appear to pose many risks or side effects on teeth. But it’s still smart to be aware of a few potential downsides:
- Minimal evidence it works – More research is needed to confirm banana peel effectively whitens teeth.
- May not work as well as other methods – Professional or over-the-counter whitening products likely give better results.
- Messy and requires patience – Rubbing banana peel on your teeth can be messy. Seeing results takes weeks.
- Possibility of mouth or tooth irritation – Rubbing peels on teeth could potentially cause temporary mouth or gum irritation in sensitive people.
Overall, trying to whiten teeth with banana peel is unlikely to cause harm. But the evidence is limited for how well it works, and results take time. Consulting your dentist first is recommended.
Other natural teeth whitening remedies
In addition to banana peels, there are other natural remedies people use to whiten their teeth. These include:
- Baking soda – Forms a mild abrasive paste that may lift stains.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Bleaches teeth as an active ingredient in many whitening products.
- Apple cider vinegar – Contains acids that may dissolve stains and whiten teeth.
- Coconut oil pulling – Swishing oil in your mouth may pull stains off teeth.
- Strawberries – Contain an enzyme called malic acid that can whiten teeth.
- Citrus fruits – The citric acid in lemons, oranges, and grapefruit may brighten and whiten teeth.
However, there is limited clinical evidence showing these home remedies effectively whiten teeth. Some, like rubbing strawberries on teeth, may temporarily help remove surface stains due to their acidic nature. But research has not found them to permanently change the intrinsic color of teeth.
When to see a dentist about teeth whitening
Home remedies like banana peel offer a cheap way to potentially whiten your teeth a bit. However, they are unlikely to provide dramatic whitening or match the results of professional teeth whitening treatments.
You may want to get a professional teeth whitening procedure at your dentist’s office if you have:
- Severely discolored or stained teeth
- Intrinsic tooth stains affecting the inner structure of teeth
- Tried over-the-counter whitening with unsatisfactory results
- An important upcoming event like a wedding where you want whiter teeth
Professional in-office teeth whitening uses higher concentrations of whitening gels with hydrogen peroxide. This is applied under supervision to achieve greater whitening but also carries a higher risk of side effects like tooth sensitivity.
Over-the-counter whitening kits from your dentist are also available and safer than whitening strips bought in stores. They mold trays to fit your teeth to apply whitening gel.
Talk to your dentist if you are considering professional whitening treatment. They can advise you on the most effective whitening options based on the type and extent of your stains.
Should you use banana peel to whiten your teeth?
Here is a summary of the key points on using banana peels for teeth whitening:
- Banana peels contain nutrients and enzymes that may theoretically help whiten teeth.
- Some limited evidence suggests banana peels may slightly reduce yellowness.
- Peels are safe, natural, and inexpensive to try.
- But benefits are minimal, and proven results are lacking.
- It takes patience to try peels but could save you money.
- Talk to your dentist first, especially if you have severe stains or want dramatically whiter teeth.
While the benefits are uncertain, trying banana peels as a natural teeth whitening method won’t do any harm. Rubbing them on your teeth comes with little cost or risk. Just don’t expect dramatic results compared to professional whitening procedures.
If you try using banana peels, make sure to rinse your mouth and brush normally afterwards. And see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups regardless of what home remedies you use.
With realistic expectations about the minimal effects, some people may find rubbing banana peel on teeth a satisfactory natural approach for getting a bit of extra whitening at home.
The bottom line
Currently, there is not sufficient clinical evidence to prove conclusively that using banana peels whitens teeth. However, rubbing banana peel directly on your teeth comes with minimal risks and side effects for most people.
The nutrients and enzymes in banana peels could theoretically help lift some surface stains. But studies showing clear whitening effects are lacking. Any whitening from using banana peels is likely to be subtle at best.
For proven teeth whitening results, consult your dentist about professional whitening treatments. Home remedies like banana peels are more affordable though, even if they work slowly and mildly.
Talk to your dentist before trying any home teeth whitening methods. But the science suggests incorporating rubbing banana peels on your teeth into your oral care routine is unlikely to cause harm and might provide a small benefit.
Just don’t expect peel power to give you a dramatically brighter Hollywood smile. Manage your expectations realistically, be patient with consistency, and consult dental professionals if you want major improvements in your tooth color.
