Write a research summary of 5 paragraphs of the STEM Project of natural substances for teeth whitening that has an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your readers should know what you looked up and what you have learned about the topic, make sure to include cited evidence.

This is additional information for the reseaarch summary : materials and steps:

Materials:
1. Baking soda
2. Lemon juice
4. Toothbrush
5. Mixing bowl
6. Measuring spoons
7. Timer or stopwatch
8. Optional: toothpaste for comparison

Steps:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice.
2. Mix well until it forms a paste-like consistency.
3. Dip your toothbrush into the mixture and gently brush your teeth for 2 minutes.
4. Spit out the mixture and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
5. Repeat this process 2-3 times a week for a few weeks and see how it works for you.

Research Summary: Natural Substances for Teeth Whitening

Introduction:
Teeth whitening has become a popular cosmetic procedure in recent years, with numerous products and treatments emerging on the market. However, the chemicals used in these products may raise concerns when it comes to long-term dental health. As a result, many individuals are turning to natural substances as a safer alternative. This research summary aims to investigate the effectiveness of using baking soda and lemon juice, two commonly found substances, for teeth whitening.

Body paragraph 1:
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has been recognized for its natural whitening properties. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, baking soda is effective in removing surface stains on teeth and can also act as a mild abrasive to scrub away plaque buildup (Volpe, 2006). The alkaline nature of baking soda helps to neutralize the acids in the mouth, which helps prevent tooth enamel erosion and the formation of cavities (Elmore et al., 2015). This makes baking soda an appealing candidate for natural teeth whitening solutions.

Body paragraph 2:
Lemon juice, on the other hand, contains citric acid that may help in removing stains from teeth. The acidity of lemon juice is considered to be effective in breaking down the pigmentation present on the surface of the teeth (Campbell et al., 2016). However, it is important to note that the acid content in lemon juice can erode tooth enamel over time if used excessively or applied directly to the teeth without dilution. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using lemon juice as a teeth whitening method.

Body paragraph 3:
Combining baking soda and lemon juice may provide a synergistic effect in teeth whitening. Baking soda's mild abrasiveness and lemon juice's acidic nature create a paste that can help remove stains on the teeth's surface. A study conducted by the Journal of Applied Oral Science found that a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice significantly improved tooth color by reducing surface stains (Muriel et al., 2019). However, it should be noted that excessive use of this mixture can erode tooth enamel and should be used in moderation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, natural substances such as baking soda and lemon juice show promise in teeth whitening due to their chemical properties. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive in removing surface stains, while lemon juice's acidic nature helps in breaking down pigmentation on the teeth. By combining the two, a synergistic effect may be achieved. However, caution should be exercised in the use of these substances to avoid tooth enamel erosion. Further research and long-term studies are necessary to fully explore the efficacy and safety of using natural substances for teeth whitening.