Studies confirming vinegar's antibacterial properties: Household natural sanitizers like lemon juice and vinegar reduced the number of pathogens to undetectable levels. Vinegar can inhibit growth of and kill some food-borne pathogenic bacteria. Plus, vinegar's bactericidal activity increased with heat!
Vinegar isn't only useful for cooking, though. It also makes a great cleaner and disinfectant because it's made from acetic acid. Acetic acid is a colorless organic compound that gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. It's also an ingredient in some store-bought household cleaners.
Vinegar can kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses and treat yeast infections. Due to its antimicrobial properties, vinegar has been used for the treatment of ear infections, warts, and nail fungus. It has also been used to treat certain skin infections and burns.
Apple cider vinegar's acidity kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and many gum infections. According to Dr. Oz, you can also use apple cider vinegar to remove stubborn tooth stains.
“Set time,” or the time a disinfectant must rest on a surface in order to work effectively, is also important. The set time for vinegar can be up to 30 minutes.
Acetic acid (a.k.a. white vinegar) can act as a disinfectant that can destroy some bacteria and viruses. Studies confirming vinegar's antibacterial properties: Household natural sanitizers like lemon juice and vinegar reduced the number of pathogens to undetectable levels.
Vinegar contains polyphenols, plant chemicals that have an antioxidant effect that may protect cells from oxidative stress, a possible stimulator of tumor growth. Cell and mouse studies suggest that vinegar may prevent the growth of cancer cells or cause tumor cells to die.
Regularly drinking any type of vinegar and eating acidic foods has been shown to erode tooth enamel ( 14 , 15 ). This means that vinegar gradually destroys your enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth that protects them from physical and chemical damage.
Homemade mouthwash with vinegar
Vinegar contains a natural acid called acetic acid. Bacteria don't like to grow in acidic environments, so a vinegar mouthwash may reduce bacteria growth. Add 2 tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water. Gargle for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Rinsing with concentrated doses of apple cider vinegar will not only damage your teeth but can also cause swelling or burns inside the mouth and esophagus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, other potential risks of long-term use of ACV include: Indigestion. Throat irritation.
Vinegar has been used for thousands of years to fight infections and clean and heal wounds.
A 2018 research study found that ACV can be used to effectively treat infections caused by several common strains of bacteria. However, more research is needed before doctors can recommend ACV treatments to their patients.
The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.
Highly diluted acetic acid, an active ingredient of household vinegar, has been shown to be an effective alternative agent to prevent infection and kill bacteria found in burn wounds.
The bottom line. There's no evidence that vinegar “cleans” your system. Even if it did, your urine sample likely wouldn't be accepted. If you're concerned about an upcoming test, your best bet is to simply let your body work things out naturally.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural antiseptic, meaning it helps disinfect areas of the mouth. Perhaps more importantly, though, it's also acidic, meaning it kills bacteria that lead to toothaches. Simply soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and press it gently onto your tooth.
The acetic acid in white vinegar has antibacterial properties and promotes demineralization of tooth enamel, making it effective in removing tartar and plaque. Add half a teaspoon of salt to half a cup of water and add two teaspoons of white vinegar to it. Stir it well and gargle the mixture twice a day.
Both apple cider vinegar and honey have antibacterial properties that may help soothe a sore throat.
How to Use it Properly: ACV to whiten teeth requires consistency. In fact, you will need to repeat the process for about a month to see true results. Using a finger, rub apple cider vinegar on your teeth for one to two minutes, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
Tooth enamel does not grow back, but it can be restored to some degree by remineralization. Using mineralized toothpaste and mouthwash can strengthen your remaining enamel as the minerals will be drawn to the weak spots in your teeth and bond with the surface.
The bottom line. Apple cider vinegar can help manage blood sugar, improve symptoms of PCOS, and promote weight loss. A typical dose is 1–2 tbsp. (15–30 mL) mixed with water and taken before or after meals. Research doesn't support claims that it can improve digestion and prevent heart disease, cancer, or infection.
Vinegar is fine to use on food and when mixed with water, juice, or another liquid is safe to drink. However, with a pH between 2.4 and 3.3, vinegar is acidic enough to erode tooth enamel, inflame the esophagus and stomach, and trigger nausea and acid reflux.
White vinegar is often used to treat and soothe a variety of skin burns and inflammations, including abrasions, minor cuts, rashes, insect stings and sunburn.