The internet is full of weird and wonderful hacks, and dental treatments are no exception. You can teach yourself to repair a filling or even straighten your teeth in minutes, but it probably goes without saying this isn’t recommended. One of the most enduring how-tos is ‘whitening teeth with baking soda and lemon juice’.
There are hundreds of articles and videos promising whiter teeth in minutes – at a fraction of the cost of professional teeth whitening. Most involve mixing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with lemon juice to form a paste that’s applied to teeth then brushed away.
With so many recommending this natural teeth whitening remedy – and showing off their own dramatic results, is there something to this DIY technique? Well, sort of. Baking soda and lemon juice will whiten your teeth, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
How Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Whiten Teeth
Baking soda is abrasive, and lemon juice is acidic. Together, they form a destructive duo that corrodes tooth enamel. This will undoubtedly remove surface stains, but it will also damage the protective layer of your teeth in the process.
Enamel is there to defend your teeth, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. What’s more, when your enamel thins, your dentine begins to show through. Dentine is yellow, so your teeth could look more discolored than before. Worse still, without your enamel, you’ll be prone to problems such as sensitivity and tooth decay.
While the lemon juice and baking soda mixture may initially whiten your teeth, the uneven application and prolonged use can lead to uneven whitening.
The Role of Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has been used to whiten teeth for decades because of its abrasive, yet gentle, exfoliating power that sloughs away surface stains and cleans teeth. Sodium bicarbonate is a naturally occurring chemical compound that comes in the form of a fine powder substance and has both anticaries and abrasive properties. The anticaries found in baking soda prevent tooth decay, while the texture of baking soda scrubs away plaque and reveals brighter-looking teeth. Baking soda also aids in neutralizing the pH balance of the mouth, reducing harmful acids that may erode enamel. In this way, baking soda both cleans and whitens teeth.
The Role of Lemon Juice
Lemon juice whitening is essentially a bleaching process. It relies on citric acid from lemon and the abrasiveness of baking soda, which work together to remove stains. Other whitening recipes you see may also include lemon peels, salt, or oil. Lemon juice is highly acidic, with a pH level nearly close to 2. This acidity can erode the protective enamel layer of your teeth, which is the hard, outer surface that protects the underlying dentin and pulp. Enamel erosion can lead to increased sensitivity and even tooth decay.
The Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening
The dangers of doing-it-yourself far outweigh the benefits. You risk damaging your teeth and spending more time and money in the long run putting things right.
- Enamel Erosion: Lemon juice is highly acidic and can erode the enamel, the protective layer of your teeth. Once the enamel thins out, your dentine begins to show through. Since it is yellow, your teeth look more discoloured.
- Increased Sensitivity: Enamel erosion can lead to increased sensitivity.
- Tooth Decay: Enamel erosion can lead to tooth decay.
- Uneven Whitening: While the lemon juice and baking soda mixture may initially whiten your teeth, the uneven application and prolonged use can lead to uneven whitening.
- Permanent Damage: The abrasiveness of baking soda can further contribute to enamel erosion, leading to permanent tooth damage and increased susceptibility to cavities and other dental issues.
Safer Ways to Whiten Your Teeth
We appreciate that dental treatment can be expensive and DIY solutions may seem tempting. If professional teeth whitening isn’t within your budget, keep surface stains at bay by brushing twice a day and flossing before bed. A visit to the hygienist is also a great, cost effective way to keep your teeth sparkling clean and healthy.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening will brighten your smile and preserve your oral health. Your treatment will be supervised by a dental professional, and they’ll start by assessing your teeth and gums to make sure you’re a suitable candidate.
Proper Oral Hygiene
The best long-term remedy for whiter teeth is to brush and use mouthwash daily. Do so with regular or with a specialized whitening toothpaste/mouthwash but check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Conclusion
While baking soda and lemon juice can remove surface stains, this DIY method poses significant risks to your dental health. The acidity of lemon juice erodes enamel, while the abrasiveness of baking soda further damages the teeth. Safer, more effective alternatives include professional teeth whitening and maintaining proper oral hygiene.