The internet is full of weird and wonderful hacks for all sorts of things, and dental treatments are no exception. You can find 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.
The Science Behind the Damage
Lemon juice has a pH between 2 and 3, making it highly acidic. Studies show that tooth enamel starts to wear away with continuous contact with acids that have a pH lower than 4.5. Baking soda, while a mild abrasive that can help remove surface stains, can be too harsh when used excessively or with acidic substances like lemon juice. This abrasiveness can further contribute to enamel erosion, leading to permanent tooth damage and increased susceptibility to cavities and other dental issues.
Many people believe that baking soda will neutralize the acid in lemon juice, but there’s no evidence that baking soda completely neutralizes the acidity of lemon juice. It’s also very hard to know whether you have the right ratio of acid to base when making your own paste at home.
The Risks of DIY Whitening
Using lemon juice and baking soda to whiten teeth comes with several risks:
- Enamel Erosion: Lemon juice is highly acidic and can erode the protective enamel layer of your teeth. Enamel is a natural shield, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Enamel erosion can lead to increased sensitivity. When the enamel wears away, the underlying dentin is exposed, which contains tubules that lead directly to the tooth’s nerve. This can cause sharp pains when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Tooth Decay: Enamel protects your teeth from bacteria and acids that cause decay. When enamel erodes, your teeth become more vulnerable to cavities.
- Uneven Whitening: The mixture may initially whiten your teeth, the uneven application and prolonged use can lead to uneven whitening.
- Discoloration: Once the enamel thins out, your dentine begins to show through. Since dentine is yellow, your teeth can look more discolored.
Safer Ways to Whiten Your Teeth
If you’re looking for a brighter smile, there are safer and more effective ways to achieve it:
- Professional Teeth Whitening: Professional whitening treatments are safe and effective. A dental professional will assess your teeth and gums to make sure you’re a suitable candidate. They can also monitor the process to minimize sensitivity and protect your enamel.
- Over-the-Counter Whitening Products: There are many over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes that are approved by the American Dental Association. Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to ensure they are safe and effective.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing before bed can help keep surface stains at bay. A visit to the hygienist is also a great, cost-effective way to keep your teeth sparkling clean and healthy.
The Bottom Line
While the idea of whitening your teeth with lemon juice and baking soda may seem appealing, the risks outweigh the benefits. This DIY method can damage your enamel, leading to sensitivity, decay, and other dental problems. There are many safer and more effective ways to achieve a brighter smile. Talk to your dentist about the best options for you.