Baking soda and lemon juice home hacks pose health risks

Dental professionals warn that many popular home whitening methods — such as lemon juice, baking soda, activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide mixtures — can damage tooth enamel, increase sensitivity and offer little lasting benefit. They advise seeking professional dental assessment before attempting at‑home bleaching.

Separately, experts note that mixing baking soda with vinegar produces a rapid release of carbon dioxide but does not enhance cleaning power. The reaction neutralises the acidic effect of vinegar, reducing its ability to dissolve mineral deposits, while the alkalinity of baking soda alone remains more effective for grease removal. The recommendation is to use the two substances separately and only combine them when the mechanical action of bubbling is specifically needed, such as for unclogging drains.