Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDoes ACV Whiten Teeth?RisksHow to Use ACV SafelyHome Remedies for Teeth WhiteningFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Does ACV Whiten Teeth?
Risks
How to Use ACV Safely
Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple cider vinegar(ACV) is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It’s often added to salad dressings, preservatives, marinades, and more. It is also used as a traditional home remedy that is touted as having a wide range of beneficial health effects. Everything from acid reflux, sunburn, and even some types of cancer are believed to be treatable with ACV.
While many claims about it have been debunked or are lacking in evidence, a few studies have shown benefits for several conditions, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
This article provides an overview of how ACV teeth whitening works, what the risks are, as well as how to do it safely.
Aniko Hobel / Getty Images
Like other kinds of vinegar, ACV is highly acidic. The acetic acids in vinegar have a well-documented bleaching effect; regular treatments can effectively clear away some areas of staining and discoloration.
Additionally, as vinegar has an antimicrobial effect, ACV may help take on bacteria that form on your teeth. This means it may help take onplaque and tartar, which are frequent causes of tooth discoloration.
Typically, dentists recommend other methods of home teeth whitening as they tend to be more effective. Of course, there are also limitations to what you can do at home, and nothing will work better than having this done professionally.
Dentists are likely going to recommend againstwhitening your teethwith ACV. Though it may help brighten your smile, alongside other methods, the risks may outweigh the benefits.Prolonged exposure to ACV can damage tooth enamel, affect how your throat feels, and even interact with medications you’re taking. It’s important to understand these risks.
Erosion
The primary issue with using ACV for teeth whitening is its effect on your tooth enamel. Like acidic beverages, such as soda or coffee, apple cider vinegar can cause this outer layer to weaken and erode. Tooth erosion can lead to a host of dental issues, including:
Throat Burn
Another potential issue with vinegar intake is throat burn. If you take too much or are unsafe about it, the high acidic content in ACV can injure the tissues of youresophagus(the inside of your throat) and causestomachdistress. In turn, this can cause you to have nausea, pain, and discomfort, and you may vomit blood.Notably, high acidic content in the stomach can make tooth erosion worse.
Drug Interactions
Medications can also react poorly with high ACV consumption; however, the interaction is generally mild to moderate, with severe issues rarely arising. Especially if you’re taking high doses, be mindful and tell your doctor if you’ve been prescribed:
Daily IntakeSpecific dosages of ACV depend on the health condition being taken on. That said, overconsumption can be problematic; the greater the exposure, the greater risk there is of dental erosion, throat burn, and drug interactions. Aim for no more than 2 tablespoons (tbsp) a day (about 30 milliliters (ml) diluted in water, mixed in with salad dressing, or added to meals.
Daily Intake
Specific dosages of ACV depend on the health condition being taken on. That said, overconsumption can be problematic; the greater the exposure, the greater risk there is of dental erosion, throat burn, and drug interactions. Aim for no more than 2 tablespoons (tbsp) a day (about 30 milliliters (ml) diluted in water, mixed in with salad dressing, or added to meals.
While the overall risks of ACV are mild, it can still damage dental and esophageal health when it’s highly concentrated. The risk of tooth erosion and other issues rises considerably when you use undiluted solutions regularly.
If you do want to try ACV to whiten your teeth, here’s what you can do to minimize the risk of damage:
Diluting ACV
Using ACV is one of a couple of other home remedies for tooth stains and plaque build-up. Other at-home methods of teeth whitening include:
Summary
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) fermented apple juice that is safe to consume within reason, such as with dressings or in marinades. Due to it’s high acidity, ACV is not recommended for teeth whitening. If you use it, it is best to dilute it and ensure you are rinsing your teeth afterward.
There are better alternatives for teeth whitening, including the use of teeth whitening strips, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda.
Always consult with your dentist before trying any teeth whitening solutions. They will advise you on the best method based on your oral care needs.
A Word From Verywell
Especially with the proliferation of information on the internet and social media, there seem to be countless claims made about ways to whiten teeth at home. And while ACV has shown some benefits, it’s likely going to do more harm than good.
However, there are at-home options that are safer, and certainly other aspects of good dental health—keeping up with brushing and flossing, having regular cleanings—can help brighten your smile. What’s most important is that you care not only for the appearance of your teeth, but their health as well.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Oral Hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions“The mother” is a conglomerate of the yeasts and bacteria that convert apple juice into apple cider vinegar. These microorganisms work to convert sugars into acetyl acid, which is essential for ACV’s taste and health effects.You’ll often see parts of the mother floating around in bottles of ACV.As a traditional remedy with a long history, many claims are made about the health benefits of ACV. And while some of these have been largely debunked, there is some evidence that ACV can help with type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and high blood pressure.Additionally, vinegars may also have probiotic and antioxidant properties.Learn MoreCan Apple Cider Vinegar Help Lower Blood Pressure?Apple cider vinegar is an apple juice that has undergone a two-step fermentation process. Basically, yeasts are introduced to the solution, which feeds on the sugars in the apple and produces alcohol. Then, bacteria are added to convert the alcohol to acetic acid (giving ACV its tang and bleaching effect).Learn MoreWhy You Should be Eating Fermented Foods
“The mother” is a conglomerate of the yeasts and bacteria that convert apple juice into apple cider vinegar. These microorganisms work to convert sugars into acetyl acid, which is essential for ACV’s taste and health effects.You’ll often see parts of the mother floating around in bottles of ACV.
As a traditional remedy with a long history, many claims are made about the health benefits of ACV. And while some of these have been largely debunked, there is some evidence that ACV can help with type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and high blood pressure.Additionally, vinegars may also have probiotic and antioxidant properties.Learn MoreCan Apple Cider Vinegar Help Lower Blood Pressure?
As a traditional remedy with a long history, many claims are made about the health benefits of ACV. And while some of these have been largely debunked, there is some evidence that ACV can help with type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and high blood pressure.Additionally, vinegars may also have probiotic and antioxidant properties.
Learn MoreCan Apple Cider Vinegar Help Lower Blood Pressure?
Apple cider vinegar is an apple juice that has undergone a two-step fermentation process. Basically, yeasts are introduced to the solution, which feeds on the sugars in the apple and produces alcohol. Then, bacteria are added to convert the alcohol to acetic acid (giving ACV its tang and bleaching effect).Learn MoreWhy You Should be Eating Fermented Foods
Apple cider vinegar is an apple juice that has undergone a two-step fermentation process. Basically, yeasts are introduced to the solution, which feeds on the sugars in the apple and produces alcohol. Then, bacteria are added to convert the alcohol to acetic acid (giving ACV its tang and bleaching effect).
Learn MoreWhy You Should be Eating Fermented Foods
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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