Question:

I saw on the internet that people are rinsing with apple cider vinegar to help whiten their teeth. Is this safe and effective?

Answer:

CNN recently investigated this question and found that people recommend using apple cider vinegar for a variety of reasons, including dental care. However, it should not be used as a teeth whitener. Apple cider vinegar is very acidic in nature, and anything high in acidity can demineralize your protective enamel. This can further lead to cavities and excessive wear. In fact, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association said, “One of the last things you want to do to promote healthier looking teeth is rinse with apple cider vinegar.” For a whiter smile, use a whitening toothpaste twice per day as an over the counter solution.