Claim: An Instagram user claims in a video that brushing with a garlic-lemon mixture will whiten the teeth. This claim is fake as too much acidic agent can cause enamel erosion.
The viral video provides instructions on how to whiten your teeth in just 2 minutes. It states that there’s no need to worry if you have yellow teeth. The video has garnered significant attention, with 6,008 views, 26,800+ followers, 170 likes, 8 comments, and 84 shares. In the video, the narrator suggests using a powerful mixture consisting of a grated clove of garlic, a teaspoon of salt, the juice of a lemon, and toothpaste of your choice. The ingredients should be mixed thoroughly until the toothpaste dissolves. The next step is to soak your toothbrush in the mixture and brush your teeth for 30 seconds before rinsing. For optimal results, it is recommended to use this mixture daily for 30 days to achieve a whitening effect.
Is Garlic a Teeth Whitening Agent
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has antibacterial properties. Some suggest that consuming raw garlic may help with teeth whitening. Further research is required to confirm this claim. It is important to note that while chewing garlic may offer certain advantages, there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the idea that brushing with a mixture of garlic, lemon, and toothpaste would yield the same whitening effect.
Does lemon help in teeth whitening?
Utilizing lemon for teeth whitening is akin to employing it as a bleaching agent. Lemon contains citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent on fabrics, hair, and skin. This notion is based on the belief that lemon juice or peel can assist teeth whitening, although there are certain limitations. Lemon peel can be somewhat effective but has high acidity. Both lemon juice and lemon peel are excellent whitening or even bleaching agents. You can either rub lemon peel directly on your teeth or apply lemon juice. However, it is important to dilute the lemon juice with equal water when using it on your teeth.
Potential Outcome of Using Garlic-Lemon Mixture for Your Teeth
Applying raw lemon juice might react with your tooth enamel which may cause tooth decay in the long run. A 2015 study found lemons to cause much higher enamel erosion than soft drinks such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Red Bull. Enamel is not only responsible for making your teeth appear white but also protects the sensitive layer underneath. Once it ruptures, your teeth become vulnerable to sensitivity issues and decay. If you feel there is an issue with your oral health, it’s always better to seek a dentist’s consultation rather than trying out such social media hoaxes.
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