The internet is full of weird and wonderful hacks for all sorts of things, and dental treatments are no exception. One of the most enduring how-to’s is ‘whitening teeth with baking soda and lemon juice’. You’ve probably seen articles and videos promising whiter teeth in minutes at a fraction of the cost of professional teeth whitening. They often involve mixing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with lemon juice to form a paste that’s applied to teeth then brushed away.
But is there something to this DIY technique? Well, sort of.
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 dangers of using lemon juice and baking soda
- Enamel Erosion: Lemon juice is highly acidic, with a pH level nearly close to 2. This acidity can erode the protective enamel layer of your teeth. Enamel erosion can lead to increased sensitivity and even tooth decay. Enamel is a natural shield, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
- Dentin Exposure: Once the enamel thins out, your dentine begins to show through. Since it is yellow, your teeth look more discolored.
- Gum Damage: The acidic nature of lemon juice can also irritate and damage your gums. Prolonged exposure to it can cause inflammation, gum recession, and even gum erosion, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
- Increased Sensitivity: As the enamel erodes, the underlying dentin layer becomes exposed, leading to increased tooth sensitivity. This can make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and beverages, causing discomfort and pain during eating or drinking.
- 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, creating a patchy or blotchy appearance. Additionally, the erosion of enamel can cause intrinsic discoloration, making your teeth appear darker over time.
- Permanent Damage: Baking soda is abrasive and will wear away your tooth enamel over time.
Safer ways to whiten your teeth
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.
Instead of risking your dental health with DIY hacks, it’s recommended to consult with a dental professional for safe and effective teeth whitening options. Professional teeth whitening treatments use approved products and techniques that are designed to whiten your teeth while minimizing the risk of enamel erosion and other dental problems.
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.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing regularly, and limiting your consumption of acidic and staining foods and beverages, can help maintain a bright and healthy smile. You’re much better off using fluoridated toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association to strengthen enamel and whiten teeth.
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