What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- American Journal of Dentistry: Effect of Toothpaste Containing d-Limonene on Natural Extrinsic Smoking Stain: A 4-Week Clinical Trial
- American Journal of Dentistry: Effect of Toothpaste Containing d-Limonene on Natural Extrinsic Smoking Stain: A 4-Week Clinical Trial
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Can You Whiten Teeth With Orange Peels?
Home whitening products and dentist-office treatments are possibilities for whitening, but both are perceived as harsh and expensive. Home remedies for teeth whitening aren't usually based in much scientific research, but anecdotal evidence suggests they may work. Orange peels contain a natural solvent that may help reduce some stains on your teeth. If the orange peel treatment does work for you, it will take a much longer time to see results and is unlikely to remove all stains.
Solvent in the Rind
Citrus rinds, including oranges, contain d-limonene, a natural scent and solvent. Cosmetic manufacturers include d-limonene in a number of products, including toothpastes and tooth whiteners. A study published in a 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Dentistry" found that toothpaste containing d-limonene was significantly effective in reducing smoking stains on teeth and d-limonene alone inhibited the development of further smoking stains 3.
Limitations of Orange Peels
Baking Soda & Peroxide for a Teeth Whitener
Learn More
The 2010 study did find that the orange peel compound, d-limonene, was not effective in reducing stains on teeth due to tea drinking. The d-limonene that successfully reduced smoking stains was combined with another compound -- so it's impossible to say if the d-limonene alone would be an effective ingredient. Researchers also found that the d-limonene compound did not work to reduce longstanding stains on the teeth.
- The 2010 study did find that the orange peel compound, d-limonene, was not effective in reducing stains on teeth due to tea drinking.
Beware Acidic Juice
Dr. Josh Axe, a clinical nutritionist, notes that you should be cautious in using citrus on your teeth, though. Although the peel may have a gentle whitening effect, the juice of the orange can break down your teeth's enamel. A 2009 study in the "Journal of Dentistry" compared the effects of orange juice versus 6 percent hydrogen peroxide, the concentration used in many dental-whitening kits and office treatments. The researchers found that while the teeth immersed in orange juice experienced an 84 percent decrease in enamel surface hardness, no statistically significant changes occurred in the teeth immersed in hydrogen peroxide. When your enamel erodes, you are more vulnerable to increased tooth sensitivity and tooth decay. Axe suggests that if you do use orange peel, rinse your teeth in a simple mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water right afterward. Swish the rinse around in your mouth for about a minute and then spit it out.
- Josh Axe, a clinical nutritionist, notes that you should be cautious in using citrus on your teeth, though.
To Try It
How to Get Rid of Brown Spots on Teeth
Learn More
An orange peel treatment could be an affordable way to try whitening your teeth, says registered dental hygienist Sandy Johnson of Castle Dental. The website "Health Guidance" suggests two methods of using orange peels to whiten the teeth. You simply rub the white side of the peels gently all over the teeth, with or without table salt. The salt acts as a scrub and is thought to intensify the whitening effects. Another way to use orange peels is to create a powder with dried orange peels and dried bay leaves. Dampen the mixture and then rub it all over your teeth. No scientific data to support the success of these treatments exists, however.
- An orange peel treatment could be an affordable way to try whitening your teeth, says registered dental hygienist Sandy Johnson of Castle Dental.
- The website "Health Guidance" suggests two methods of using orange peels to whiten the teeth.
Related Articles
References
- Science Daily: Orange Juice Worse For Teeth Than Whitening Agents, Study Finds
- Environmental Working Group: Products Containing the Ingredient
- American Journal of Dentistry: Effect of Toothpaste Containing d-Limonene on Natural Extrinsic Smoking Stain: A 4-Week Clinical Trial
- Castle Dental: Foods that Help Keep Your Teeth Sparkling and Foods to Avoid
- Dr.Axe.com: 6 Ways to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth
- Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayaprakasha GK, Patil BS. D-Limonene Rich Volatile Oil From Blood Oranges Inhibits Angiogenesis, Metastasis and Cell Death in Human Colon Cancer Cells. Life Sci. 2012;91(11-12):429-439. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2012.08.016.
- Chaudhary SC, Siddiqui MS, Athar M, Alam MS. D-Limonene Modulates Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Ras-Erk Pathway to Inhibit Murine Skin Tumorigenesis. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2012;31(8):798-811. doi: 10.1177/0960327111434948.
- National Library of Medicine HSDB Database. D-Limonene. Bethesda, Maryland; updated September 17, 2015.
- Jing L, Zhang Y, Fan S, et al. Preventive and ameliorating effects of citrus D-limonene on dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity. Eur J Pharmacol. 2013 Sep 5;715(1-3):46-55. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.06.022.
- Miller JA, Lang JE, Ley M, et al. Human breast tissue disposition and bioactivity of limonene in women with early-stage breast cancer. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2013 Jun;6(6):577-84. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-12-0452.
- Moraes TM, Kushima H, Moleiro FC, et al. Effects of limonene and essential oil from Citrus aurantium on gastric mucosa: role of prostaglandins and gastric mucus secretion. Chem Biol Interact. 2009 Aug 14;180(3):499-505. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2009.04.006.
Writer Bio
Andrea Boldt has been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. A personal trainer, run coach, group fitness instructor and master yoga teacher, she also holds certifications in holistic and fitness nutrition.