It might be tempting to try out beauty hacks you spot online but they’re not always a great idea.
One online trick for whitening your teeth is to use lemon juice and it’s particularly appealing during lockdown as normal services might not be available.
But Dr Martina Hodgson, principal dentist & Invisalign doctor at The Dental Studio, says it’s a bad idea and could leave you with long-term damage.
She explains: ‘These days everyone wants a Hollywood white smile, and with a whole host of products out there that promise to whiten our teeth it is very difficult to know which way is best.
‘So when we get stains build up on our teeth or they are not as white as we would like them to be, it is tempting to go for a quick, DIY fix.
‘A quick google search reveals home remedies websites extoling the benefits of lemon juice as a teeth whitening agent.
‘One such site claimed the Vitamin C would act as a bleaching agent to remove stains. It even goes on to say that lemons prevent several oral diseases and suggest putting lemon juice directly on to your toothbrush to clean your teeth or rinsing with it.’
But lemon juice has a pH of 2-3, meaning it is highly acidic – something which does not react well with enamel.
Not only can it cause damage, but it can lead to the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve and make teeth even yellower.
Dr Martina adds: ‘Our teeth are made up of a white outer layer of enamel, underneath which lies a yellow layer of dentine.
‘Lemon juice, when used frequently and especially when applied directly to the teeth and rubbed in with a toothbrush, will strip the enamel from the teeth.
‘This will reveal more of the underlying dentine, meaning the teeth look even more yellow than they did before. In addition, this can lead to tooth sensitivity, worn down teeth and tooth decay.’
You might have experienced a chalky feeling after you eat something acidic, which happens when the minerals coming out of the enamel.
Regularly using lemon juice on your teeth makes this happen over and over again.
Dr Martina advises seeing a professional if you do want to whiten your teeth, so they can recommend the best method for yo.
She says: ‘They will be able to assess the cause of your yellow teeth and prescribe the safest treatment for you which will not damage your teeth.
‘To avoid enamel erosion, avoid regular consumption of acidic food and drinks, even if dilute, and always wait an hour after having acidic food or drink before you brush your teeth to avoid rubbing the acid into the enamel and causing further damage.’
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