Dentist warns common method people use to whiten teeth is actually making them go more yellow

A dentist has flipped your morning brush routine on its head by revealing that a common method people use to whiten teeth is actually doing the opposite.

Doctor Surina Sehgal (@drsurinasehgal), from the UK, has taken to TikTok to reveal the three things you can do to care for your teeth - and we've probably been guilty of a few of these.

"Here are three things you are doing that are making your teeth yellow. My name is Doctor Surina, I am a dentist and I'm gonna tell you how to save your teeth," she said.

Brushing teeth too hard

We've all probably gone a bit gung-ho while brushing our teeth (Getty Stock Images)

While you think that forcefully brushing your teeth will remove the plaque, it'll actually do more harm than good.

"Brushing your teeth too hard and using excessive pressure with your toothbrush can actually wear down your enamel," she said.

"Now, your enamel layer is very white, the layer underneath your enamel is called dentine and that's very yellow in colour.

"So using excessive force over time will wear down your enamel layer and expose that yellow dentine layer underneath, making your teeth look yellower."

Having fizzy drinks

Fizzy drinks will also stop you from getting that veneer-looking smile.

"Drinking fizzy drinks are the worst for your teeth because of their acidic nature, she warned.

"Again, it will cause enamel erosion and thinning, exposing that yellow layer dentine underneath."

Whitening toothpaste doesn't do what you think it does (Getty Stock Images)

Using whitening toothpaste

The third and final tip may come as a bit of a shock after many of us (me) sometimes depend on whitening toothpaste to do the job.

Dr Sehgal explained: "Number three is using a whitening toothpaste - now this one may shock you.

"Whitening toothpastes contain very small abrasive particles in them, which help to remove surface stain.

"But over use of them can thin your enamel, exposing that dentine."

On how to actually whiten your teeth naturally, she advises: "Avoid all these things. Maintain good oral hygiene - brush floss etc. If you want a more drastic change then try whitening with a dentist."

Taking to the comments, another viewer agreed: "Using too much whitening toothpaste is not a good idea."

Meanwhile, a second person asked: "Is baking soda safe for brushing your teeth?"

"It is abrasive so can cause enamel wear. I would avoid," she replied.

"Does the enamel layer repair itself?" a third wrote, as Dr Sehgal responded: "Once enamel has gone it has gone! However you can strengthen it."

Looks like I'll be getting some new toothpaste in the morning then.

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