Lemon is often touted as a natural teeth whitening solution. The high acidity and bleaching properties of lemon are said to help remove stains and whiten teeth. But does lemon juice actually whiten teeth? Here’s a look at the evidence.
How Would Lemon Whiten Teeth?
Lemon contains citric acid, which has a low pH and is acidic. The acidic nature of lemon can help remove surface stains on teeth. Lemon also contains ascorbic acid, which acts as a bleaching agent. When applied to teeth, these components in lemon may:
- Break down and dissolve debris on teeth
- Remove surface stains and lift discoloration
- Bleach teeth to brighten and whiten them
However, lemon juice is very acidic, with a pH around 2-3. This level of acidity can potentially damage tooth enamel over time by eroding the outer layer of the teeth.
Does Research Support Lemon for Teeth Whitening?
Very few scientific studies have looked at the efficacy and safety of using lemon juice as a home teeth whitening treatment. However, some small studies have found:
- Brushing teeth with lemon juice resulted in whiter teeth compared to just using water. But the whitening effect was temporary.
- Applying lemon juice for 5 minutes daily led to a noticeable difference in teeth color after 2 weeks.
- Lemon juice decreased surface stains but did not penetrate deeper into the teeth to whiten dramatically.
- Too much lemon juice eroded enamel and made teeth more susceptible to cavities.
Overall, research indicates lemon may provide a minor improvement in teeth shade. But more rigorous clinical studies are still needed.
Potential Benefits of Using Lemon
Some possible benefits of using lemon for natural teeth whitening include:
- Low Cost – Lemons are affordable and accessible.
- Easy to Use – Lemon juice or wedges can be rubbed directly on teeth.
- Removes Surface Stains – The acidity helps dissolve debris and lift superficial discoloration.
- Natural Bleaching – Ascorbic acid acts as a mild bleaching agent.
For those looking for a cheap, easy teeth whitening method, lemon may hold some promise and appeal. But results will likely be subtle, not dramatic.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
There are also risks associated with using lemon juice on teeth:
- Tooth Enamel Erosion – Too much acid weakens and destroys enamel over time.
- Gum Irritation – Concentrated lemon juice may irritate and inflame gums.
- Increased Sensitivity – Eroded enamel exposes sensitive dentin underneath.
- Loss of Dental Filling – Acid may break down dental restorations.
These potential adverse effects need to be considered with prolonged use of lemon as a homemade whitener.
Is Lemon Juice Effective for Teeth Whitening?
Based on current evidence, here is an evaluation of how effective lemon juice is for whitening teeth:
Strength of Whitening Effect
| None | Minimal | Moderate | Significant |
| X |
Lemon juice appears to provide minimal improvement in tooth shade. Surface stains may be lightened, but true bleaching or whitening is limited.
Speed of Whitening Effect
| Gradual over weeks | Within days | Immediately |
| X |
Any noticeble effect of lemon juice occurs gradually over the first few weeks of consistent use.
Duration of Whitening Effect
| Temporary (hours-days) | Short Term (1-2 weeks) | Long Lasting (months+) |
| X |
The benefits of lemon juice are temporary at best, with color returning in hours to days as stains resettle on the teeth.
Side Effects
| None | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
| X |
Used infrequently, side effects are mild. But with sustained use, tooth erosion and gum damage become moderate concerns.
Cost
| Expensive | Moderate | Inexpensive |
| X |
Lemons are widely available at a very low cost.
How to Use Lemon for Teeth Whitening
If you wish to try using lemon safely, here are some guidelines:
– Only use fresh lemons, not bottled juice which is more acidic.
– Dilute lemon juice in water, using a 1:1 ratio to reduce acidity.
– Apply diluted lemon juice to teeth using a cotton swab or soft brush.
– Limit application to 2-3 times per week for 2-4 weeks.
– Rinse mouth thoroughly after rubbing lemon on teeth.
– Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing teeth after lemon application.
– Monitor for increased tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
– Avoid overusing lemon juice, as excessive acid damages enamel.
Is Whitening with Lemon Juice Recommended?
The effectiveness and safety of lemon juice as a natural teeth whitener is questionable. Evidence shows:
- The whitening effect is minor and temporary.
- Risk of enamel erosion and gum damage with frequent use.
- No long term clinical trials proving safety and efficacy.
For these reasons, lemon juice cannot be recommended currently as an effective or safe alternative to commercial whitening treatments or dental procedures. More rigorous research is needed.
Consult a dentist before trying lemon juice on your teeth. And use caution, as overuse of acidic lemon can irreversibly damage tooth enamel.
Other Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening
If you’re looking for alternative teeth whitening methods, consider:
- Baking Soda – Abrasive to scrub away stains, best used occasionally.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – Bleaches teeth gently, though higher concentrations are needed for dramatic effect.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Acetic acid dissolves discoloration, but less acidic than lemon.
- Strawberries – Contain mild acids to lift surface stains.
- Blueberries – Some compounds may slow down stain formation.
However, always exercise caution with home remedies as they are untested and unproven for safety and results.
Professional Teeth Whitening Options
For significant, lasting teeth whitening, professional options may be more effective:
- In-Office Bleaching – uses concentrated peroxide for dramatic results in one visit.
- Custom Bleaching Trays – dentist-provided trays with carbamide peroxide gel used daily at home.
- Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips – available in lower strengths for gradual whitening over weeks.
- Dental Cleanings – professional removal of deep set stains and tartar buildup.
These methods involve some cost but are tested to safely whiten teeth under a dentist’s supervision.
Conclusion
Lemon juice may slightly reduce surface stains on teeth thanks to its acidic nature. But it is not a proven or recommended home remedy for significant, lasting teeth whitening due to potential risks and very limited effectiveness. For best results, consult your dentist for professional whitening options tailored to your needs. Use caution with any home treatments and monitor for side effects like increased sensitivity.