Apple cider vinegar has become a popular home remedy over the past couple of years. It’s believed to help with health issues like cholesterol and blood sugar, but many people are choosing to use it to remove tooth stains. However, is doing this do-it-yourself whitening harming your smile? Here’s what you should know about apple cider vinegar and your grin.
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Affect Teeth?
As you might guess, apple cider vinegar is very acidic. This is thanks to the fermentation process, but this spells trouble for your enamel. The longer it comes into contact with this product, the outer layer of your teeth can soften and erode, increasing their risk of damage.
When this portion of your tooth weakens, the dentin beneath will begin to poke through. This part contains channels that go down to the nerve, which can be triggered by anything hot or cold. The sensitivity you feel can be frustrating to deal with, but it also increases your risk of cavities or infection since bacteria can more easily reach the inner structures.
Enamel can’t grow back on its own. It doesn’t have anything to deliver the minerals it needs to stay strong, so the discomfort you feel can only continue to worsen until you intervene.
What Can I Do to Use Apple Cider Vinegar More Safely?
Based on the above, you shouldn’t use apple cider vinegar to whiten your teeth. Even with consistent use, you might only get a one- or two-shade difference. That said, you might use it for its health benefits, so you might wonder how you can keep it in your routine. Here are a few tips to try:
- Drink apple cider vinegar through a straw to limit direct contact with your grin.
- Rinse with water right after consuming it to neutralize acids left in your mouth.
- Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, as doing it right after can lead to additional wear and scratches. Don’t forget to use a fluoride toothpaste to remineralize your enamel.
If you use apple cider vinegar to brighten your teeth, then replace that method with a reliable one from your dentist. Your provider has access to high-quality bleaching gels that will break down stains on and within your enamel without wearing it down.
You will simply wear customized trays with the whitening agent as directed for two weeks. Afterward, you can flaunt up to an eight-shade difference! That way, you get the results you want without troubling your oral health.
About the Practice
Want to transform your grin? Our team at Amberly Dental is here to help patients in Waverly correct the dental flaws that bother them most. Led by Dr. Tim Vacek and Dr. Paige Hull, we can tailor a plan to correct stains, chips, and minor gaps, whether that’s with professional teeth whitening or another option. If you want to get a step closer to a flawless smile, schedule an appointment or call our office at 402-786-2007.