Does Brushing Your Teeth With Baking Soda Whiten Your Teeth? (2024)

Brushing teeth with baking soda is sometimes promoted as an effective way to whiten the teeth. Baking soda (also called sodium bicarbonate) is an abrasive compound that can remove the stains that are caused by drinking coffee, tea, smoking, etc. and the debris on the surface of the teeth to make the teeth appear whiter and brighter. It can therefore to some extent whiten the teeth and may prevent some discolouration too.

How Baking Soda Is Used for Teeth Whitening

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

While some may encourage or recommend the use of lemon juice and strawberry with baking soda, in order to enhance its whitening capabilities, these are not ideal. Lemon juice is acidic and can actually eat away the calcium from the teeth and corrode or destroy it, lemon juice may also cause some inflammation of the gums. Strawberries can whiten the teeth because of the ascorbic acid in them, and since acids are generally not good for the teeth, using strawberries together with baking soda can therefore be harmful to the teeth.

One of the benefits of using baking soda is the fact that it can serve as a cheaper alternative to expensive whitening treatments and products. It can also neutralize and counteract bacterial acids in the mouth too. And can also remove plaque which can cause tooth decay and gum disease from the teeth because of its abrasive properties.

Using Baking Soda Safely

Baking soda will generally need to be used correctly in order to protect the teeth’s enamel from damages. The soda should ideally not be used too frequently since it can damage the enamel as a result of frequent use. It should generally only be used about once per a week and for two minutes at a time.

Baking soda should also not be used as a replacement for toothpaste since there is no fluoride in it, fluoride helps to protect the teeth from cavities and will also strengthen the teeth’s enamel. Using some fluoride toothpaste with baking soda can keep the teeth healthy. The soda should also not be scrubbed hard on the teeth in order to protect the gums and enamel. You should check with your Coventry dentist first before using baking soda to brush your teeth, especially if you already suffer pre-existing gum issues/problems or sensitive teeth

The Disadvantages And Risks Of Using Baking Soda

There are some risks involved in using baking soda for brushing the teeth. It can damage the enamel which may cause the teeth to become more sensitive than they should be to hot or cold temperatures, and it can also make brushing your teeth by itself painful. Damage to the enamel can also make the teeth more likely to attract cavities.

Baking soda can weaken or soften the glue or adhesive of braces and permanent dental fixtures or fittings, hence it should not be used by those with such fittings. Baking soda can also be misapplied since there is no standard procedure to follow that would ensure its safe use for whitening the teeth. It could also damage the gum and may not appeal to some people because of its taste.

Dealing With Stains That Cannot Be Removed By Baking Soda

Baking soda will generally not work on a wide range of stains. It may not be able to remove some deep or severe stains or may not make the teeth as white as some individuals would want their teeth to be. Those who may want to bleach their teeth white will actually need to use a whitening product to achieve that since baking soda cannot bleach the teeth.

Individuals may therefore opt to use some natural teeth whitening products or treatments instead of soda. Some teeth stains are internal while some are external, and some stains can be treated with whitening products while others cannot be treated by them. You should check with your dentist before using any whitening solutions or kits on your teeth.

The most common whitening methods are professional in-office treatments, professional use-at-home kits and over-the-counter products. The active agent in most whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. The more peroxide that is found in a product the more the product will be likely to whiten the teeth. Whitening products that are used or that can be provided by a dentist will generally contain more peroxide than over-the-counter products, granting a more effective whitening.

Professional in-office whitening treatments are carried out in the dentist office and can be completed within an hour or so. They are however more expensive than other methods. Professional use-at-home kits are mouthpieces and whitening gels that are provided by dentists, they can be used to whiten the teeth while at home, and can provide some faster results too than similar over-the-counter kit options.

Over-the-counter products such as strips, whitening toothpastes, or gum are more affordable than professional in-office treatments and professional at-home kits. With them, there is no need tomake an appointment with your dentist, and there are quite a lot of options and brands to choose from too. You may generally need several treatments or may need to use a product several times before you get your teeth to appear as white as you may want them to be. A whitening treatment or solution may also need to be repeated over time to maintain or keep the teeth white.

Brushing teeth with baking soda can be an affordable way to remove teeth stains or whiten the teeth, however, there are quite a lot of whitening products and treatments that may be more effective at doing this too, individuals should therefore consider these too while looking for a whitening solution.

Does Brushing Your Teeth With Baking Soda Whiten Your Teeth? (2024)

FAQs

Does Brushing Your Teeth With Baking Soda Whiten Your Teeth? ›

Conclusion. Baking soda is an effective teeth whitener when used appropriately to brush the teeth. Keep in mind that it is also important to maintain regular dental visits and continue using a good toothpaste with any baking soda brushing routine.

How long does it take for 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 happens if I brush my teeth with baking soda everyday? ›

Brushing with baking soda is particularly dangerous when done too often. 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.

Is baking soda safe to whiten teeth with? ›

Baking soda is a mild abrasive. While the American Dental Association (ADA) considers baking soda safe for your enamel and dentin, some researchers have given it a low rating as a teeth whitener because it may not remove stains as effectively as some other products.

Is brushing your teeth with baking soda and water good? ›

In addition, baking soda helps neutralize plaque acids and also break down and remove stains. Less plaque helps prevent tooth decay. Baking soda also works to whiten your teeth! You can make a DIY baking soda paste from baking soda and a little water and dip your toothbrush in to help clean your teeth.

How to whiten teeth quickly? ›

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.

How can I naturally whiten my teeth? ›

Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.

Do dentists recommend brushing with baking soda? ›

How often is it OK to use baking soda to brush teeth? The Journal of the American Dental Association states that baking soda is safe for daily use. It is a good idea to only use baking soda to brush the teeth once per day. Use a good fluoride toothpaste to brush teeth the rest of the time.

Do lemon and baking soda 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.

What are the disadvantages of using baking soda on your teeth? ›

The Disadvantages And Risks Of Using Baking Soda

It can damage the enamel which may cause the teeth to become more sensitive than they should be to hot or cold temperatures, and it can also make brushing your teeth by itself painful. Damage to the enamel can also make the teeth more likely to attract cavities.

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.

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

Does apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›

Due to it's high acidity, ACV is not recommended for teeth whitening. If you use it, it is best to dilute it and ensure you are rinsing your teeth afterward. There are better alternatives for teeth whitening, including the use of teeth whitening strips, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda.

What are the side effects of brushing your teeth with baking soda? ›

It is slightly abrasive and if used repeatedly over time it can weaken tooth enamel, making your teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to dental cavities. Baking soda on its own does not kill the bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and tooth decay.

Can salt whiten teeth? ›

Since salt and baking soda are abrasive they could remove stains from teeth, but that's like trying to lighten your floors by sanding them down, said Messina, who is also a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

Should I brush my teeth with baking soda before or after toothpaste? ›

You must use baking soda properly to have an effective result on teeth whiteness. Before brushing your teeth, add a pinch of baking soda powder on the toothpaste. Then brush your teeth normally. Some dentists recommend brushing with regular toothpaste and then continuing brushing with baking soda.

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.

How long does it take for baking soda to remove tartar? ›

Removing Tartar with Baking Soda

Leave the baking soda on for at least fifteen minutes before rinsing. While not exactly tasty, baking soda can neutralize harmful acids from things like sodas and foods while also killing bacteria and whitening teeth naturally.

Is it safe to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? ›

The abrasiveness of baking soda can can cause weakened enamel and increase tooth sensitivity. Certain preparations claim to combine the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in the proper ratio to keep the baking soda from thinning the enamel, but it's not a gamble dentists want you to take regularly.

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