Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common item in most households, and many people want to ask their family dentist if this ingredient is as good for brushing teeth as so many people claim it is. It is possible to find baking soda as an ingredient in over-the-counter toothpaste, but what about using it on its own? Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding using this popular ingredient on those pearly whites.
Baking soda FAQs
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. In addition, for anyone experiencing mouth ulcers, baking soda is an effective treatment. It also assists in freshening bad breath by neutralizing acids from leftover food particles.
Does brushing with baking soda damage teeth?
Brushing once a day with baking soda or on occasion will not damage the teeth. However, brushing too hard or too often with it can lead to damaged tooth enamel. Some people also mix the baking soda with lemon juice, strawberries or other ingredients to clean the teeth. While this can be effective on occasion, a family dentist is likely to recommend doing this sparingly to avoid damaging the teeth.
What does it feel and taste like to brush with baking soda?
The feel of brushing with baking soda can be surprising for first-timers. If used with just water, it will be quite gritty and leave an unappealing aftertaste. Some people combat this by mixing it with toothpaste or other flavors, such as peppermint. Some additions, such as vinegar, may add to the unappealing taste left in the mouth. Be aware that the experience may not be pleasant, but it is possible to mix it with other ingredients to make it feel better and taste better in the mouth.
Is it better to use baking soda rather than toothpaste?
It is a good idea to use toothpaste regularly because baking soda alone does not have the ability to fight cavities. In addition, overuse of baking soda could damage the teeth. While conscious and careful use of baking soda can be beneficial, it is not a permanent replacement for a good toothpaste.
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.
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. For the best results, consult with a family dentist to find out the best uses for baking soda when brushing teeth.
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FAQs
Baking soda toothpaste is a safe and effective way to clean and whiten teeth. However, brushing with baking soda alone is not approved by the ADA because baking soda lacks fluoride, an essential cavity-fighting ingredient. An alternative is to purchase a commercial toothpaste that includes baking soda and fluoride.
What will happen if you brush your teeth with baking soda? ›
Does brushing with baking soda damage teeth? Brushing once a day with baking soda or on occasion will not damage the teeth. However, brushing too hard or too often with it can lead to damaged tooth enamel.
How often should you brush your teeth with bicarbonate of soda? ›
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.
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.
Does baking soda help with receding gums? ›
That lonely little box of baking soda receding gums is the key to completely (and cheaply) transforming your at-home dental health regimen. Just make a paste of salt water and soda and give your teeth a punch of strength.
Does baking soda remove tooth enamel? ›
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.
How long does brushing with baking soda take 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 are the disadvantages of baking soda toothpaste? ›
The abrasive texture can also irritate the gums. The alkaline chemical makeup can disrupt the delicate pH balance in your mouth. It is best to avoid toothpaste products containing baking soda as the ingredient is not necessary for clean, healthy teeth.
Can baking soda remove plaque? ›
Does baking soda remove plaque from teeth? This is a question we're often asked and the short answer is yes, it does! Baking soda neutralizes acid and helps kill bacteria. Put a small amount of baking soda on your toothbrush (around a tablespoon is fine), and then wet the toothbrush.
Does baking soda remove plaque and tartar? ›
Baking soda can prevent and treat tartar buildup on your teeth. Also called sodium bicarbonate, it helps by softening tartar. It also balances the acids in your mouth that create plaque and stop it from turning into tartar. As it is mildly abrasive, it's an effective option to scrub away stains and whiten your teeth.
But because baking soda removes discoloration from the surface of your teeth, it's important to keep in mind that it won't remove deeper stains. If a toothpaste containing baking soda doesn't whiten your teeth as much as you'd like, consider scheduling an appointment with a dentist or dental hygienist.
What is the best way to brush your teeth with baking soda? ›
First, mix equal parts baking soda and water in a small bowl until you've created a paste. Dip your toothbrush into the soda mix and brush in gentle circles, making sure you cover each tooth thoroughly with the paste. Keep brushing for around a minute.
Should you rinse your mouth after brushing with baking soda? ›
To whiten your teeth with baking soda, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 3 to 4 drops of lemon juice and make it into a fine paste. Gently brush your teeth with this paste and leave it on your teeth for 2 minutes. Thoroughly rinse your mouth afterward. Do not use this paste more than twice a week.
Is baking soda too abrasive for teeth? ›
So baking soda “feels” more abrasive – but it's not. The fact is that Baking Soda, being much softer than tooth enamel, and very slightly softer than even tooth dentin, will not create much damage (abrasion) to the tooth.
Is baking soda too abrasive to brush teeth? ›
Conclusions: On the basis of the collected evidence, baking soda has an intrinsic low-abrasive nature because of its comparatively lower hardness in relation to enamel and dentin.
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.
