Quick Take
A social media post claims that a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth and treat bad breath. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook reel with the caption, “Do this to whiten your teeth and get rid of bad breath #medicalNaomi Uche” shares the video of a woman who claims a mixture of lemon, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can whiten the teeth and cure oral malodour.
Fact Check
Can teeth whitening be treated with a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide?
Not exactly. While a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide may be effective at removing surface stains on teeth, it is not recommended as a treatment for teeth whitening.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used ingredients in teeth-whitening products because they have mild abrasive and bleaching properties that can help remove surface stains. According to a clinical trial, utilizing baking soda solely to remove plaque appears to be effective. However, lemon juice is highly acidic and can erode the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity. It should be emphasized that the enamel on your teeth does not grow back.
We asked dental expert Dr. Pooja Bhardwaj (BDS), if a paste made of baking soda and lemon could be an effective teeth whitener. She responded that there wasn’t enough scientific evidence to back up the claim. She explains, “Although citrus fruits such as lemon contain D-limonene, a natural stain-removing solvent that may reduce minor extrinsic stains, its efficacy is questionable. This is because lemon juice, due to its acidic nature, can be corrosive and thus damage the protective enamel layer. This would eventually weaken the tooth structure, making it more susceptible to cavities. Furthermore, the basic nature of baking soda may not be very beneficial. This is because its ability to neutralize the acidic lemon juice is uncertain.”
Also, whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide can help to remove surface stains on teeth and lighten their appearance over time with consistent use. They may be helpful in remaining external stains, but they also can lead to certain side effects such as tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation.
On Hydrogen peroxide, Dr. Bhardwaj comments, “Ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which has bleaching action, can make teeth look cleaner and whiter, but its action is limited. They might remove extrinsic stains on the tooth surface, thus making it look cleaner and whiter, but it has no effect on transforming the natural colour and orientation of teeth. We do have technological advancement in teeth whitening and other enhancements, cosmetically. One must always look for professional advice from a dentist before undergoing any procedure.”
Furthermore, using this mixture as a teeth whitening treatment can be risky and potentially harmful if not used properly. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice in the mixture is unknown and may be too strong, causing damage to your teeth and gums.
It is recommended to consult with a dental professional to ensure a treatment that is safe and effective.
Can a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide treat bad breath or halitosis?
Not exactly. There is a lack of scientific evidence to prove that a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide treats bad breath permanently. While such a mixture may help freshen your breath temporarily, it is not recommended as a treatment for chronic bad breath or halitosis. Also, as stated above, the mixture can have certain side effects and can erode the enamel.
The combination of oral bacteria and rotting food produces an unpleasant odour. Halitosis can be significantly influenced by a variety of circumstances, including the state of the mouth, the health of the teeth, and underlying medical conditions. Therefore, there is no concrete evidence to suggest this mixture could effectively reduce bad breath.
Therefore, it is important to be cautious of any claims that suggest quick and easy remedies. It is best to consult with a dental professional to determine the most effective and safe method for achieving the desired level of tooth whiteness.
Professional cleaning could be performed if plaque buildup is the cause. Additionally, the dentist could offer specific advice on how to get rid of bad breath. Some of these measures include practicing proper tooth hygiene and limiting alcohol and tobacco usage. The dentist could recommend eating foods like carrots, cucumbers, celery, clove and bell peppers. Bad breath is frequently made worse by dry mouth. To move through this, drink water and chew sugar-free gum. Not to mention that if there were any underlying medical issues, such as sinus infection or kidney disease, the ailment might be handled.
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