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 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.

Does brushing with baking soda whiten 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.

Can you use Arm and Hammer baking soda to brush your teeth? ›

Deep cleaning action – ARM & HAMMER™ dental grade baking soda dissolves quickly and can penetrate between teeth and along the gum line – you'll feel it working for a deep clean. In fact, ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda toothpaste was shown in clinical studies to remove more plaque than a non-baking soda toothpaste.

What does baking soda do to the 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.

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.

Is it OK to brush your teeth with baking soda every day? ›

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 can I whiten my 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.

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.

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.

How to make homemade teeth whitening? ›

Combine 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda and gently brush your teeth with the mixture. Limit the use of this homemade paste to a few times per week, as overuse can erode your tooth enamel.

What home remedy whitens your teeth? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally.

What happens if you rinse your mouth with baking soda? ›

Many people prefer to use baking soda as a natural mouthwash instead of using alcohol-based mouthwashes. Research has shown using baking soda as a mouth wash helps to keep bacteria at bay, freshens our breath, and prevents oral infections and diseases.

Can I mix baking soda with toothpaste? ›

Dental care experts often recommend people to mix soda with regular fluoride toothpaste. The simple home remedy is also recommended for patients who use chlorhexidine mouth rinses as a part of treatment for oral health issues. Baking soda helps in quickly getting rid of stains left on teeth due to chlorhexidine.

How long does baking soda toothpaste 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.

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

While baking soda and hydrogen peroxide have several benefits, they can also pose some risks due to excessive use. According to the American Dental Association, going beyond the ideal 3.6% concentration of hydrogen peroxide can be damaging to your 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.

What are the side effects of baking soda toothpaste? ›

While a little baking soda can wear away surface stains, the abrasive nature of the compound eventually wears away the enamel on your teeth, which makes them appear yellow and discolored. The abrasive texture can also irritate the gums. The alkaline chemical makeup can disrupt the delicate pH balance in your mouth.

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