Teeth whitening with acid: types and methods of whitening at home

Author of the article:

Soldatova Lyudmila Nikolaevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Clinical Dentistry of the St. Petersburg Medical and Social Institute, Chief Physician of the Alfa-Dent Dental Clinic, St. Petersburg

Everyone wants to have healthy teeth, and even better, they are not only strong, but also snow-white. Achieving this, of course, is not easy. Normal enamel initially has a yellowish tint due to the dentin showing through underneath it. In addition, over time, teeth become darker. This happens because their top layer is quite porous and absorbs dyes from food well. Coffee, black tea, chocolate, berries and fruits, colored sodas, as well as other products gradually add color to the enamel. Plus, plaque gradually accumulates on the teeth, which can only be removed by professional cleaning.

I want to get rid of all this, and today there are many ways to do this. All of them can be divided into two large groups: professional whitening and traditional methods. Let's talk about the latter, namely how to whiten teeth using various essential oils, talk about the dangers and benefits, and share interesting recipes.

Does lemon water harm our teeth?

Warm water with lemon in the morning is a popular ritual for people leading a healthy lifestyle.
And although this drink has a great effect on our body, unfortunately, it can also harm our teeth. Lemon water awakens the digestive system and strengthens the immune system. Another reason to start the day with a glass of this drink is the fact that lemon belongs to the group of alkaline foods, thanks to which it helps balance the pH of the body.

Helps one and harms another

Unfortunately, lemon water has a negative effect on our teeth. Contact with acidic drinks is not comfortable for the teeth and can weaken tooth enamel. Fruit juices, including water with lemon, destroy the protective cover that is located on the teeth, it protects the enamel from acid erosion.

How to protect tooth enamel without giving up a dose of health?

How does citric acid affect teeth?

Citric acid is an organic acid known as the E330 food additive that is involved in metabolism. You can use it to whiten your teeth, but you need to do this very carefully.

The content of the article

Properties of citric acid
Citric acid for teeth whitening

Citric acid belongs to the class of carboxylic acids.
It is a white crystalline substance with a sour, non-astringent taste. It has virtually no calories. It dissolves well in water and some organic solvents. It melts at a temperature of 175 degrees, and upon subsequent heating it decomposes into water and carbon dioxide. This acid is actively involved in metabolism and cellular respiration. Thanks to it, skin cells can be renewed. It becomes elastic, firm and beautiful. The complexion becomes pleasant, defects gradually disappear. To do this, you need to make a mask with lemon juice once a week. It can also be added to almost any cream. Citric acid is found in all citrus fruits, pomegranates, pine needles and even shag. In the old days, it was obtained from shag. In modern industry, citric acid is produced by fermenting substances with a high concentration of sugar (for example, molasses). Often special molds are used. Citric acid is known as food additive E330. It is used as an antioxidant. The addition of citric acid improves the taste of many carbonated drinks and the consistency of processed cheese: it spreads much better on bread. Some people use it to whiten their teeth. This is indeed a very effective remedy, but it must be used with caution. The fact is that any whitening process has a detrimental effect on tooth enamel, destroying it and causing caries. These destructions are microscopic, but they affect the health of the teeth, and then the condition of some organs. The dental nerve becomes several times more sensitive. It gets to the point where it becomes painful to chew rough food. If you notice such symptoms, you should immediately contact your dentist.

The procedure can be performed no more than once a week. After this, it is not recommended to eat certain foods (cherries, beets). They can “stain” your teeth. You should also give up coffee and tea.

You can whiten your teeth using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. However, these substances also destroy tooth enamel. After using them, you should rinse your mouth very thoroughly with warm water. Carry out the procedure no more than once a week to maintain the health of your teeth.

How does citric acid affect teeth?

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Methods of application

Tea tree oil

To whiten teeth with tea tree essential oil, it is recommended to apply the product to the brush and brush your teeth, then rinse with water. After the procedure, the enamel will become smooth and shiny. A few drops of the substance added to toothpaste will make your breath fresh. A mixture of aloe vera juice and tea oil whitens teeth and reduces sensitivity. The surface should be treated and the solution should be washed off after 20 minutes.

Important!

When whitening teeth with tea tree oil and other esters, do not swallow the liquid. This will cause a burn to the esophagus!

Lemon oil

Teeth whitening with lemon oil is carried out using a cotton pad and a couple of drops of the product. It is necessary to wipe the teeth and rinse the mouth. It is also recommended to drop the substance into a tube of paste. You can make your own teeth whitening rinse - mix lemon essential oil with water and rinse your mouth daily for 15 minutes.

Turmeric oil

The substance is not used in its pure form; it is mixed with base oils. To whiten teeth, turmeric and coconut oil are added to baking soda. The mass is applied to the teeth and washed off after 10 minutes.

Sesame oil

Rinse your mouth with two tablespoons of the product, brush the tooth surface with paste. Teeth whitening with sesame oil is carried out every day for 20 minutes.

Important!

Oils from a cosmetic store are not suitable for use; the necessary esters are sold only in pharmacies.

Coconut oil

The procedure for teeth whitening with coconut oil also involves rinsing. In addition, you can make a solution by mixing the product and soda. Use the resulting mass to clean the tooth surface instead of regular paste. Before use, many people ask the question: “Which coconut oil is needed for teeth whitening - solid or liquid?” Both options will do.

Sunflower oil

Teeth whitening with sunflower oil is less effective than previous methods. But it can be done several times a day to saturate the body with useful substances. You should rinse your mouth with unrefined product and brush your teeth.

Tea with lemon: effect on teeth

Dentists emphasize that lemon juice is especially harmful in combination with hot water: high water temperature enhances the adverse effects of acid on tooth enamel and thereby contributes to its accelerated destruction.

True, you don’t need to give up your favorite drink altogether. Hot tea with lemon is only harmful if consumed frequently. If you drink it from time to time, and then rinse your mouth with warm water, then unwanted consequences can be avoided.

Important reminder: After drinking lemon tea, wait an hour before brushing your teeth - the acid softens your tooth enamel, and you risk damaging it with your brush.

Come to our dentistry! Our experts will be happy to tell you other interesting facts!

Main types of essential oils

The most effective for gums are oils made from the bark of trees such as oak, sea buckthorn, and anise. Essential oils are most often used for diseases of the oral mucosa, periodontitis, stomatitis, and bad breath.

For caries, it is best to use tea tree oil; it is especially noteworthy for its antiseptic properties and ability to fight viruses and bacteria. This oil also fights warts, various oral infections, insect bites, destroys tartar, and strengthens teeth and gums.

You can use it to remove plaque. To do this, first brush your teeth with toothpaste, and then apply a few drops of tree oil to your toothbrush and brush your teeth again. To enhance the whitening effect, you can add a few drops of orange oil.

Eight enemies that harm your teeth

A dazzling smile and healthy teeth are long-term investments that need to be invested in throughout your life. This requires discipline and good hygiene skills.

However, your teeth are constantly faced with “enemies” such as food, artificial whitening, drinks and bad habits, which can cause a lot of harm to them in a very short period of time. So, here are the eight main enemies of your teeth.

Tongue piercing

Many people think that tongue piercings are a very cool and fashionable accessory, but have you ever thought about what metal balls constantly present in your mouth can do to your teeth? The oral cavity is not designed for metal objects, and the daily, quite noticeable tapping of your new tongue jewelry on the teeth damages the enamel. This can ultimately lead to chips on the teeth, and what is most unpleasant, on the front, most noticeable ones. In addition, systematic impact loads on teeth (microtraumas) are a common cause of traumatic non-infectious periodontitis, which requires complex multi-stage treatment.

Does lemon water harm our teeth?

Warm water with lemon in the morning is a popular ritual for people leading a healthy lifestyle. And although this drink has a great effect on our body, unfortunately, it can also harm our teeth.

Lemon water awakens the digestive system and strengthens the immune system. Another reason to start the day with a glass of this drink is the fact that lemon belongs to the group of alkaline foods, thanks to which it helps balance the pH of the body.

Helps one and harms another

How to protect tooth enamel without giving up a dose of health?

How does citric acid affect teeth?

Citric acid is an organic acid known as the E330 food additive that is involved in metabolism. You can use it to whiten your teeth, but you need to do this very carefully.

The content of the article

Properties of citric acid
Citric acid for teeth whitening

Tea with lemon: effect on teeth

Important reminder: After drinking lemon tea, wait an hour before brushing your teeth - the acid softens your tooth enamel, and you risk damaging it with your brush.

Come to our dentistry! Our experts will be happy to tell you other interesting facts!

products beneficial for tooth enamel:

Hard cheeses

According to the results of the study, hard varieties of cheese contribute to the mechanical cleansing of the tooth surface, and in addition contain a large amount of calcium and phosphates that are beneficial for tooth enamel.

Celery

Celery is good for teeth, English scientists from the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford have proven. According to them, celery requires thorough chewing, which allows you to remove plaque and bacteria from the most inaccessible places. In addition, during this time, chewing produces a considerable amount of saliva, which has a bactericidal effect.

Green tea

The substances contained in green tea, catechins, are deadly to bacteria, which are commonly called carious monsters. And what prevents the development of caries is good for tooth enamel.

Onion

This vegetable is rich in phytoncides - natural bacteria destroyers. The unpleasant smell is not so bad; you can get rid of it by chewing a sprig of parsley or a menthol tablet.

Eight enemies that harm your teeth

A dazzling smile and healthy teeth are long-term investments that need to be invested in throughout your life. This requires discipline and good hygiene skills.

Tongue piercing

White wine

Many of us know that red wine can change the color of teeth and leave a yellowish coating on them, but not everyone knows that white wine can also have a bad effect on teeth. Dry white wines are quite acidic and deplete the surface layer of enamel, gradually dissolving it. Darker dentin begins to show through the thinner enamel, which leads to an irreversible change in the color of the teeth. Such darkening of teeth cannot be treated with any whitening; only veneers will help.

Lemon

Although lemon is a rich source of minerals and vitamin C, it is also very high in acid, which can attack tooth enamel. And this, in turn, can lead to problems with increased tooth sensitivity - a painful reaction to hot or too cold food and drinks occurs. Therefore, you should not chew lemons thoroughly, and in general, try to keep them in your mouth as little as possible.

Hello to all tequila lovers!

Chewing pieces of ice

Citric acid destroys the enamel, and pieces of ice can simply chip or crack it. When you chew on ice, the same unpleasant effect occurs as if you grind your teeth vigorously.

Energetic drinks

After a hard sports workout, such drinks can be very refreshing for the body, but do not forget that they are extremely dangerous not only for your cardiovascular system, but also for your teeth. They contain acids that cause tooth decay and promote caries. And glucose, which is included in all energy drinks without exception, is an excellent breeding ground for carious bacteria.

Medicines

Saliva is one of the mouth's biggest protectors, and medications such as those for depression or high blood pressure contain ingredients that dry out the mouth and reduce saliva production. This can lead to oral problems and eventually tooth decay. And probably only the deaf have not heard about the bizarre effect of tetracycline drugs on the color of teeth. As you can see, taking medications harms not only the liver and kidneys, but also the teeth.

Pool water

Swimming in the pool is one of the healthiest sports, because it uses all muscle groups. But there is also a problem: pool water contains many very dangerous chemicals. This mixture of various additives that maintain water quality ultimately causes increased aggressiveness. I don’t think it’s even worth mentioning the increased chlorine content. Thus, while you are enjoying freestyle or breaststroke, the water from the pool is gradually destroying the enamel of your teeth.

Folk remedies

Despite the large number of proven products for teeth whitening at home, which can be easily purchased, many still believe in so-called folk remedies. Why? “Because they are natural, and not any chemicals!” Meanwhile, all these “natural remedies” can cause potential harm to tooth enamel. Especially for those who suffer from hypersthesia (increased tooth sensitivity) or have many fillings in the mouth. In this case, it is much safer and more effective to alternate traditional toothpastes with fluoride with toothpastes that contain plant ingredients (bamboo, pearls, etc.). At the same time, when choosing such pastes, it is better to give preference to proven brands that have a reputation in the market and conduct a large number of clinical tests during the production of their products. With these products, whitening can be done without harm to health.

Still, let’s look at what the most common recipes for folk remedies are and tell you why they can be dangerous.

Hydrogen peroxide.
“Experts” recommend diluting hydrogen peroxide with boiled water in a 1:1 ratio. Rinse your mouth with the resulting solution, then rinse your mouth with clean water. If you use this advice, you can get enamel destruction, increased tooth sensitivity, and even a burn to the mucous membrane!
Lemon
. Lemon juice is also on the list of folk recipes for teeth whitening. Use lemon peel, which is rubbed on your teeth, concentrated lemon juice or lemon solution. With weak enamel, you will get not only increased tooth sensitivity, but also caries.
Soda.
According to “grandmother’s” recipes, it is suggested to moisten a toothbrush with water, dip it in soda and brush your teeth. Remember that after such whitening the enamel becomes thinner and the teeth become more sensitive.
Coal.
Chew an activated carbon tablet. Or crush it, dilute it to a paste and use it as toothpaste. In the case of coal, there are also risks - thinning of the enamel and its increased sensitivity.

!!!Folk remedies seem cheap and effective to many. Don't experiment with your own health! Using improvised means, you can get serious dental problems. And their solution will require more financial costs from you than for professional teeth whitening in a clinic.

Benefits and harms

The citrus in question contains many useful components:

potassium and copper salts; carotene; Apple acid; essential oils; lemon acid.

By contacting with lemon, the enamel is cleansed of age spots. In addition, the product improves metabolic processes in soft tissues and has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

It is important to understand that exposure to such bleach can cause harm. Contact with abrasives or acids is considered corrosive. After teeth whitening at home with lemon, the crystalline bond of the enamel is broken. Calcium is washed out of it. Therefore, it is important not to overdo it in this matter.

Types of acid bleaching

For bleaching, various products that contain a sufficient acid content are very often used. They can be used as an independent product or in a mixture with oils, as well as soda, which can increase the effectiveness of the composition, but also makes it even more harmful to the enamel, since it scratches it and pain may appear after bleaching.

The most popular methods:

Whitening with citric acid. There are many recipes that use lemon juice. You can rinse your mouth with it daily or make a paste of baking soda and lemon and gently spread it over the surface of your teeth. Citric acid destroys the calcium contained in the teeth, thereby removing their yellow tint. All procedures with it are dangerous, as they increase tooth sensitivity, destroy enamel, and irritate the mucous membrane. In addition, frequent use can cause you to become allergic to citrus fruits.
Whitening with strawberries. Everything is very simple here: just crush the berries, apply the puree to your teeth and leave it for a while. Strawberries contain ascorbic acid, which, in fact, will affect the enamel. Like any other acid, it destroys teeth, but its effect is milder than that of citric acid.
Whitening with apples. A more or less safe, but completely ineffective procedure. First, you must understand that apples will never replace brushing and flossing. Secondly, for the malic acid they contain to take effect, you will have to eat too much of these fruits. And in any case, the effect of acid is destructive.

Ways to whiten teeth with lemon

To ensure that teeth whitening with lemon does not harm your health, experts recommend preparation. When planning the procedure, increase your body's intake of calcium, phosphorus and proteins (dairy products, river fish, seafood). Supplement your diet with a vitamin complex for teeth.

One-ingredient recipes

Teeth whitening can be done with lemon juice or zest. Using oil also has a brightening effect. At the same time, it has a less aggressive effect:

Rub citrus zest onto the surface of your teeth for a few minutes. Then, without closing your jaws, wait 5 minutes and rinse your mouth with water. The procedure can be performed daily for 7–10 days. Apply a slice of fresh lemon to your teeth. After 5 minutes, rinse your mouth with water. After 7–10 days, you can notice a lightening of the enamel shade by several tones. Whitening with lemon juice additionally has an antibacterial effect on the entire oral cavity. To do this, dilute the product with boiled water (1:1). Rinse your mouth with the product for 5 minutes. Do not perform procedures for more than 14 days.

Recipes for teeth whitening with lemon at home

Lemon for teeth whitening can be used not only in its pure form, but also as an additional additive:

Toothpaste with the addition of citrus juice will speed up the lightening process. However, the method is considered more aggressive. It is necessary to clean by adding an equal amount of juice to the paste. Read more about toothpastes → Teeth whitening with citric acid with the addition of baking soda. These two components are mixed in equal proportions and a little water is added to obtain a porridge-like consistency. Carefully brush the surface of the units with a toothbrush for several minutes. After this, you need to let the composition “work” a little, sitting with your mouth open. Then rinse the acid and soda thoroughly. After a week's course, take a break (20–40 days). The use of lemon oil has a gentle effect. In addition, the procedure assumes a therapeutic effect (anti-inflammatory, strengthening, preventive). The product must be mixed with tea tree oil. After regular brushing, dip the brush into the mixture and massage your teeth and gums thoroughly. Suitable for daily use.

Beneficial properties of essential oils

When used carefully, essential oils can be quite beneficial. Today they are widely used in medicine, cooking and, of course, in perfumery.

Essential oils are also used to disinfect the oral cavity and whiten teeth. They are safer than various abrasives (soda, chalk), but they still need to be used very carefully, while at the same time carefully monitoring the body’s reaction. The most popular oils for whitening are coconut, lemon, sunflower and fir oil. Let's talk in more detail about the features of their use.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has good bactericidal properties and can improve the color of enamel. Whitening with its help has become popular relatively recently, but today the Internet can offer you many ways to use it. The most famous techniques:

Rinse your mouth with coconut oil as soon as you wake up. The procedure will take you 10-15 minutes. After this, brush your tongue and teeth with regular toothpaste. At night, rinse your teeth with oil after brushing your teeth. Spit out the rest and do not rinse.
For oral diseases, it is recommended to rinse your teeth with coconut oil after every meal.
For a whitening effect, you can add turmeric to the oil.

Lemon oil

Due to its properties, lemon oil whitens enamel quite effectively. Therefore, it is often used in the production of tooth powders and pastes. But when whitening with pure oil, you should be very careful, as it can cause real harm to the teeth and increase the sensitivity of the enamel.

Directions for use:

Apply the paste to your toothbrush and then add 2-3 drops of oil on top.
Mix lemon oil with tea tree oil and also add to toothpaste.
Brush your teeth as usual, then place some oil on a clean toothbrush and brush again. Rinse your teeth with water.

The effect of the procedures will become noticeable in about two weeks.

Fir oil

Fir oil has a viscous consistency, it is transparent or has a slight greenish tint. Since ancient times, it has been used to treat diseases of the liver and respiratory system; in addition, the substance has a positive effect on the immune system, effectively increasing the body’s resistance to various infections.

The use of fir oil for whitening was invented quite recently, but the method quickly became popular. The disinfectant properties of the oil help improve the condition of the oral cavity. Fir prevents the growth of bacteria, resulting in less yellow plaque accumulating on the teeth. But remember, you shouldn’t overdo it here either, otherwise you may get allergies and other unpleasant consequences.

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is widely used in the east to improve health and treat a variety of diseases. Rinsing your teeth with sunflower oil helps remove toxins and waste, and also gets rid of harmful bacteria.

The method of application is very simple: take a teaspoon of oil and rinse your mouth thoroughly with it, making chewing movements so that the substance gets on all the teeth. Next, rinse your mouth thoroughly with boiled water.

The effect of oil pulling is quite questionable and you will need to do the procedure for a long time to see any results. People who have stomach problems should use the substance with greater caution.

The effectiveness of oils for teeth whitening

Oils, of course, have some effect on the teeth and oral cavity, but in general their effectiveness is questionable. At best, they will help get rid of unpleasant odor and inflammation and, perhaps, slightly affect the color of the enamel.

But if your dream is to get a snow-white smile, you should turn to professionals. This, of course, will be more expensive, but you will get visible results in a short time. Plus, the dentist will choose the most suitable course for you, taking into account the condition of the teeth and the entire body as a whole. Today, there are many in-office and home procedures that allow you to achieve radiant whiteness without damaging the enamel. Among them there will definitely be one that suits you.

Precautionary measures

We must not forget that teeth whitening at home, as in a dental clinic, has an aggressive effect on the enamel and gums. Therefore, follow the recommendations of a specialist:

do not increase the exposure time and the number of procedures per day; courses should not exceed more than 2 weeks; the lightening process requires preliminary and subsequent mineralization of the enamel; do not self-medicate aesthetic problems if you have diseases of the teeth and gums; if sensitivity increases (reaction to temperature changes, sweet, sour, spicy), you need to stop bleaching the enamel with lemon.

In pursuit of beauty, it is important not to harm your health with your actions.

How to whiten teeth at home with lemon oil.

Good afternoon, my dears!

If you have beautiful, snow-white teeth by nature, you are very lucky. But even in this case, it is necessary to preserve their natural health and beauty. After all, a beautiful smile is the main decoration of the face.

Clinics offer a range of teeth whitening services. But such a service is not cheap. There are also home methods. I want to tell you how to safely whiten your teeth at home using lemon oil.

This method is good because it does not harm our teeth, because it does not destroy the enamel. Whitening occurs due to the dissolution of plaque on the teeth, because lemon oil is an excellent solvent. But, unlike lemon juice, there is no acid that interacts with the calcium in the teeth and weakens them.

With this method, the root areas are simultaneously cleaned. With regular use of this method, plaque and stones are dissolved and removed. The procedure should be performed once a day, daily or every other day. And remember the rule - lemon oil must be 100% natural essential oil, and not fake.

I especially advise smokers to try this method. In addition to whitening, your breath will also be freshened.

There are two methods of whitening, choose the one you like best.

To whiten teeth, simply apply 1-2 drops of lemon oil to your toothbrush and, after basic brushing, brush your teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue with essential oil. You'll be surprised how much plaque remains after brushing with toothpaste!
Add 1 drop of aroma oil to toothpaste directly on the brush and brush your teeth, as well as your cheeks and tongue. The duration of cleaning in the first and second cases is 3 minutes.

If it stings a little, that's normal. A slight tingling sensation may occur a few minutes after brushing. It will go away in a few minutes.

These procedures not only whiten tooth enamel, but also reduce bleeding gums, prevent the development of caries and the formation of tartar, clean the root areas, and freshen breath.

You can complete the cleaning by rinsing your mouth with water and adding lemon or mint oil.

To do this, place 1-2 drops of one of the oils into a glass of water and stir thoroughly. Rinse your mouth after brushing and eating.

Remember that essential oils should not be taken for more than 21 days in a row. After this, take a break for 7-10 days.

So, you know how to whiten your teeth at home without harm using lemon oil. But this aroma oil has many more advantages. It’s not for nothing that aromatherapists call it monster oil. Here you can learn more about the beneficial properties of lemon oil.

A beautiful smile to you!

How to whiten teeth at home with lemon oil.

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