Can Baking Soda be Used to Brush and Whiten Teeth? (2024)

Baking soda is considered a miracle product. Originally developed in 1843, baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a reliable cleaning agent, deodorizer, baking ingredient and home health remedy. Many people wonder whether they can safely use baking soda to brush or whiten their teeth. Here’s what you should know.

Safe, inexpensive toothpaste

Next time you brush your teeth, check the ingredient list on the toothpaste tube. It probably contains sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Many toothpaste products endorsed by the American Dental Association contain baking soda. So, instead of buying toothpaste containing baking soda, some people mix a paste of baking soda and water and brush with it to clean their pearly whites.

Using baking soda is less expensive and may work better at cleaning teeth than store-bought toothpaste because it’s concentrated. Some people recommend adding a few drops of peppermint oil to improve the taste of the baking soda paste. Learn six ways to take better care of your teeth.

Whitens teeth

Most professional dental products used for teeth whitening contain sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. These products work together to clean stains on and between teeth.

Dental experts say that since baking soda is gritty and abrasive as toothpaste, it works well to remove surface stains. For deeper cleaning, people safely can mix baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to create a toothpaste. However, since hydrogen peroxide can sting, people with sensitive teeth and gums should discontinue using this paste if they experience pain or discomfort. Note: Use the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture for only one or two weeks at a time to protect tooth enamel.

Benefits vs. disadvantages

Here’s a summary of the benefits and disadvantages of using baking soda for brushing and whitening teeth:

Benefits:

  • It’s fluoride free, which may be important for people concerned about using over-the-counter toothpaste containing this chemical.
  • It’s natural and doesn’t contain dyes, flavorings or other harmful chemicals.
  • Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are effective in whitening teeth.
  • It cleans and removes plaque.

Disadvantages:

  • It takes time to mix up the paste, and it can be messy.
  • It has an unpleasant taste and gritty texture.
  • It does not contain fluoride, so teeth may be more susceptible to decay.
  • It’s abrasive and may wear down tooth enamel.

Another way to keep teeth and gums healthy is to eat fruits and vegetables rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, bioflavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, D and E. Read this blog to learn more.

Can Baking Soda be Used to Brush and Whiten Teeth? (2024)

FAQs

Can Baking Soda be Used to Brush and Whiten Teeth? ›

Baking soda is good for teeth whitening because it is a very mild abrasive, which helps remove stains from the surface of your teeth. In addition, the alkalinity of baking soda helps to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.

Does brushing your teeth with baking soda actually whiten them? ›

Can brushing with baking soda whiten teeth? Yes it can, because an alkaline solution is made when baking soda mixes with water. This leads to the release of free radicals, which help to break up plaque on the teeth and surface stains.

Can you brush your teeth with just baking soda and water? ›

Baking soda is safe to use as everyday toothpaste. However, keep in mind that an at-home baking soda preparation lacks an essential ingredient for reducing cavities—fluoride. So, it's best to use a fluoride product and reserve baking soda for an occasional scrub.

How long does it take baking soda to whiten teeth? ›

But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results. If you're looking for a quick fix, other options are available, such as professional teeth whitening in the Colony, TX, or take-home kits.

What is better for whitening teeth, baking soda or baking powder? ›

Baking soda is the active ingredient in baking powder, but baking powder also contains starch and acid. For the means of teeth whitening, baking soda is preferable as it better preserves a healthy pH in the mouth.

What happens if I brush my teeth with baking soda everyday? ›

The same extremely abrasive properties that make baking soda effective against plaque also make it dangerous. Consistent use can damage teeth by eroding the protective layer of enamel.

What does pure baking soda do to your teeth? ›

Reduces Acidity and Plaque

As such, baking soda not only prevents tooth decay but also helps remineralize your enamel. Baking soda can also limit plaque buildup by neutralizing plaque acids. Many kinds of toothpaste contain baking soda to help clean teeth more effectively and protect against plaque.

What do you mix with baking soda to brush your teeth? ›

Mix about a tablespoon of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda with about a tablespoon of water in a small bowl (roughly equal parts baking soda and water). You'll make a thick paste that you can apply to your teeth with your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush.

How do you make homemade teeth whitening? ›

Pinterest Tip: Mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Use a Q-tip or cotton ball and gently swab teeth. After 30 seconds, rinse and brush teeth.

How to get super white teeth? ›

For your benefit, we've provided you with seven different ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
  1. Eat Strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

What happens if you leave baking soda on your teeth for too long? ›

Baking soda with intensive and prolonged use can completely destroy the tooth enamel, as well as cause gum disease. With this product, you can actually get rid of plaque and pollution, but at a very high price. The price that you give when whitening with baking soda includes your healthy tooth enamel.

Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on their teeth for extended periods. For people who have darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both over the counter and from a dentist.

Can you brush your teeth with baking soda and peroxide every day? ›

Use this paste in moderation; no more than 2-3 times a week. Too much baking soda can break down enamel, which may lead to sensitivity. Remember that this paste does not have any added fluoride benefit.

Can I use Arm and Hammer baking soda to whiten teeth? ›

Arm & Hammer White Baking Soda and Peroxide toothpaste is an extremely popular toothpaste choice in the US in terms of whitening teeth. It has a vast range of beneficial features that make it a good all round toothpaste whilst maintain specialised whitening functions.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

How to make teeth whiter in 3 minutes with baking soda? ›

How to whiten teeth with baking soda and water
  1. Add one teaspoon of baking soda to a small bowl.
  2. Mix in a few drops of water.
  3. Stir until it becomes a paste.
  4. Apply mixture to toothbrush and brush it on your teeth.
  5. Leave the paste on your teeth for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Rinse out thoroughly with water and you're done.
Dec 25, 2023

How to actually whiten teeth? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Does baking soda and lemon actually whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda is abrasive and lemon juice is acidic. Together they form a destructive duo that corrodes tooth enamel. This will undoubtedly remove surface stains, but it will also damage the protective layer of your teeth in the process. Enamel is there to defend your teeth and once it's gone, it's gone forever.

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