Debunking dental home-remedy myths

Many are familiar with the adage: “Cheap, fast or good … you can only pick two.” However, a fourth term is creeping into the conversation: natural. From juice cleanses to raw water, many American products are being marketed as chemical-free, untreated or pure. Dentistry, of course, has not been immune to these influences. Two of the most popular trends among patients are charcoal toothpaste and oil pulling. While it is easy to jump to conclusions regarding the safety and efficacy of these techniques, one must consider whether there is science supporting their use.