Many people want bright, pearly whites, so they turn to various teeth whitening solutions, from dental health treatments to over-the-counter commercial whitening products. However, among these various options lies a simple kitchen staple that has gained popularity for its whitening capabilities: baking soda.
This blog post will help you determine baking soda’s effectiveness for teeth whitening, giving insight into its science, benefits, and application.
How Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a white crystalline powder used in baking because of its leavening properties. But apart from its culinary uses, baking soda boasts a buffering capacity that neutralizes acids in the mouth and reduces tooth decay and gum disease risks.
Its slight abrasiveness allows it to polish and clean teeth surfaces. This is one reason it is an ingredient in toothpaste and other dental care products. It can also remove plaque and stains caused by coffee, tobacco, and other teeth-staining foods and products.
Some studies also support that baking soda is an effective teeth-cleaning and whitening agent. One study showed that toothpaste with baking soda lessens gum bleeding more effectively than those without baking soda. Another study showed that mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth better than using non-baking soda toothpaste.
Benefits of Baking Soda Used for Teeth Whitening
- Affordable. Baking soda is a cost-effective natural remedy than teeth-whitening dental products or procedures, making it an affordable option for tooth whitening.
- Accessibility. You can buy baking soda in almost any store’s baking section. This availability makes it a convenient solution to achieve white teeth.
- Natural Method. As opposed to other chemical-laden teeth whitening methods, using baking soda to brighten your smile is natural.
- Quick Results. Baking soda has a slight abrasive nature that removes discoloration and surface stains from teeth more quickly than other commercial whitening products.
- Neutralizes Acids. Baking soda helps whiten your teeth and neutralizes the acids in your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Freshens Breath. Brushing your teeth with baking soda reduces bad breath as it is a natural deodorizer.
- Safe to Use. Baking soda is safe to use as a teeth-whitening option. However, you must avoid using it too much as it can erode enamel.
- Reduces Built-Up Plaque. Baking soda can also help remove plaque buildup by breaking apart the biofilm composed of bacteria, which you cannot easily remove even with regular brushing.
- Gentle on Teeth. Although it has mild abrasiveness, baking soda is still gentle on teeth, especially if you compare it to professional teeth whitening treatments, which can sometimes cause sensitive teeth.
However, even with the benefits, you should not replace baking soda with regular toothpaste. You must also not use it excessively as it can destroy the enamel of the teeth. Ideally, use it a few times weekly as part of your dental care routine.
How to Use Baking Soda for Teeth Whitening
After purchasing baking soda from any supermarket or grocery store, you’re one step closer to whitening your teeth at home. Follow these steps so that you can effectively apply baking soda and whiten your teeth:
Step 1. Using a bowl, mix a few drops of warm water with a half teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste. You can also replace water with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for an extra whitening effect.
Step 2. Apply the mixture to your soft-bristled toothbrush just as you would with toothpaste.
Step 3. Brush your teeth thoroughly, making sure to reach every tooth surface and the gum line. Spend at least 2 minutes brushing for the best results.
Step 4. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove all the remaining baking soda paste.
Step 6. Spit out the water and rinse your mouth again. You must remove the baking soda paste because it can be overly abrasive if left on the teeth for too long.
Step 6. Repeat these steps no more than once or twice a week.
Step 7. Follow this treatment with your normal oral care routine, including fluoride toothpaste.
Alternative Natural Solutions for Teeth Whitening
While baking soda is a popular natural teeth-whitening remedy, you can find other natural solutions to help you achieve a brighter smile. However, remember that more studies are needed to prove their effectiveness. You must use these methods with utmost care and consult a dental expert when possible. The different alternatives include:
- Coconut Oil Pulling. Swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes can remove plaque and bacteria, contributing to whiter teeth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a mouthwash. The acetic acid in the vinegar has the potential to whiten teeth, but you must use it sparingly to avoid surface enamel damage.
- Strawberry and Baking Soda Paste. Crush a fresh strawberry and mix it with baking soda to create a natural whitening paste. The malic acid in strawberries can remove severe tooth discoloration.
- Activated Charcoal. Brushing your teeth with activated charcoal can also remove surface stains, making your teeth appear whiter.
- Turmeric Paste. Though it might sound counterintuitive due to its vibrant color, turmeric is said to have teeth-whitening properties. Mix turmeric powder with water to form a paste and brush gently.
- Lemon or Orange Peels. Many believe that the d-limonene in citrus peels can reduce tooth stains, though you should use this method cautiously to protect tooth enamel.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse. You can use a mild hydrogen peroxide solution as a mouthwash. Its bleaching properties can help whiten teeth, but you should use it sparingly to avoid irritating gums.
Achieve Your Brightest Smile: Consider Professional Teeth Whitening for Safe and Instant Results
While it is true that baking soda does whiten your teeth, it’s important to know that more studies are still required to consider it as a medically-approved teeth whitening solution. Using precautionary measures when using baking soda on your teeth is ideal to prevent possible issues.
But if you want quick results backed by countless studies, getting a professional teeth whitening treatment from a dentist is better. While it may be pricier than baking soda, its effectiveness is guaranteed, and the results are long-lasting. It’s also safer because it’s performed by dentists with years of experience who have provided teeth whitening treatments to numerous patients.
Visit South Eastern Dental Care if you’re in the Columbus, GA area and are looking for safe and professional teeth whitening treatment. Set your appointment by calling us today!
