A 33-year-old female asked:
Is applying backing powder n lemon mixture on my teeth once a week will harm my teeth? else how 2 naturally whiten teeth at home?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Daniel Rubensteinanswered
Dentistry 52 years experience
Whiten teeth: Toothpaste will not whiten teeth. Home remedies will not whiten teeth and may end up damaging the enamal leading to increased staining.
The most effective way to whiten teeth is using the methods recommended by your dentist.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Andrew Killgore commented
Cosmetic Dentistry 17 years experience
Let’s start here: lemons are acidic. Why are they acidic? They contain citric acid, about 5% by weight. Citric acid has the chemical formula C6H8O7, and the catchy systematic name of 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid. If you look at the molecule you can see why it’s an acid. See those OH’s that are sitting next to =O’s? Those are acid groups. There are three of them. This is most definitel
Jun 6, 2014
Dr. Fernando Juliaoanswered
Dentistry 31 years experience
NOT ADVISED!: Lemon juice is highly acidic and may make your teeth sensitive!! There is NO effective 'natural way' to bleach your teeth. You must invest in a Doctors whitening regimen or try Crest Whitestrips (available OTC at pharmacies). good luck!
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Theodore Davantzisanswered
Dentistry 41 years experience
Lemon = Acid: Acid = demineralization. Why try to reinvent the wheel? If your concoction were effective, there would be no need for professional and OTC whitening products, right? Follow the advise of your dentist to whiten your teeth safely and effectively.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Arnold Malerman commented
Orthodontics 54 years experience
Dr Davantzis is correct. Your home remedy WOLL do damage. Please see your Dentist for advice.
Jun 5, 2014
Dr. Andrew Killgore commented
Cosmetic Dentistry 17 years experience
Let’s start here: lemons are acidic. Why are they acidic? They contain citric acid, about 5% by weight. Citric acid has the chemical formula C6H8O7, and the catchy systematic name of 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid. If you look at the molecule you can see why it’s an acid. See those OH’s that are sitting next to =O’s? Those are acid groups. There are three of them. This is most definitel
Jun 6, 2014
Last updated Apr 3, 2016
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