How does a professional family dentist weigh in on the following topic? A common trick for whiter teeth passed from mother to daughter is to brush with baking soda. Is the effectiveness of this technique a myth? Or is there wisdom to the old wives’ tale that baking soda will brighten your smile? Find out by reading the answers to these common inquiries.
Brushing with baking soda
Is it effective?
Using baking soda to brush will work. The abrasive properties of baking soda will mechanical remove debris and plaque while chemical properties will fight bad breath and whiten teeth. Mostly it is the abrasion provided by baking soda which gives the teeth a polished, shinier, whiter look after its use. The same deodorizing properties which can absorb the smells in a refrigerator make baking soda effective in reducing bad breath. It accomplishes this by scrubbing away plaque. Baking soda is also extremely cost efficient.
What are typical solvents for the baking soda?
The most common solvent is water. People either wet their brush under the faucet then sprinkle on the powder, or they make a quick paste. Hydrogen Peroxide is used by people looking for an intense bleach. Other typical solvents are vinegar and mashed up strawberries.
Is there any downside?
Abrasiveness
As a matter of fact there is. 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.
Increased sensitivity
This leaves the teeth more sensitive by exposing nerve endings and more vulnerable to bacteria at the gum lines. The gums can also be worn down, peeled back, and inflamed by constant baking soda application. Furthermore, baking soda does not contain the antibacterial properties found in toothpaste, so for fighting gum disease and cavities, toothpaste is still superior.
Use in moderation
When applied to teeth straight from the box baking soda may cause tingling or discomfort. It is best to stop immediately if this occurs and to rinse out the mouth. Brushing with baking soda for more than two minutes is a bad idea according to a family dentist. The taste of baking soda may also be rather unpleasant.Balance is the rule of thumb when incorporating baking soda into an oral hygiene routine. It cannot be used every day. At most a family dentist would recommend using it twice a week. Since there are toothpastes available which contain baking soda, seeking out one of these products is a compromise which allows teeth to get the benefits of sodium bicarbonate daily.
Conclusion
Baking soda is an effective abrasive which can help polish teeth. It does not clean teeth of bacteria the way toothpaste does. Caution must be exercised as overuse of baking soda can do more harm than good to teeth.Are you considering a family dentist in the Buford area? Get more information at https://buforddentist.com.
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FAQs
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.
What are the pros and cons of brushing your teeth with baking soda? ›
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.
How often is it safe to brush teeth with baking 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.
What to do after brushing teeth with baking soda? ›
After two minutes, spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash. Rinse your toothbrush as well.
Does brushing with baking soda cause sensitivity? ›
The Cons Of Using Baking Soda As A Toothpaste Substitute
Due to its alkalinity, you may also experience sensitivity after eating acidic foods such as fruit juices or sodas after brushing with baking soda. Brushing your teeth too hard with baking soda can wear away your enamel and damage your gums.
Does baking soda have side effects on teeth? ›
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.
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.
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.
How long does it take for baking soda to clean your teeth? ›
For minor stains, you may see results after just a few days. More severe stains could take up to two weeks to see noticeable results. However, if you continue using baking soda regularly, your teeth will eventually become noticeably brighter and whiter.
Is baking soda good for 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.
You can also make a paste using water and baking soda, then apply it directly to your teeth. Let it sit for two minutes before wiping it off to help remove stains.
Does 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 actually whiten 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.
Is brushing your teeth with baking soda safe? ›
It's not approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA has not approved brushing teeth with baking soda. Brushing with baking soda alone will not provide you with the fluoride you need to help re-mineralize teeth and prevent cavities.
What are the side effects of too much baking soda? ›
Symptoms of baking soda overdose include:
- Constipation.
- Convulsions.
- Diarrhea.
- Feeling of being full.
- Frequent urination.
- Irritability.
- Muscle spasms.
- Muscle weakness.
Some dental professionals believe that baking soda toothpaste is abrasive. This is empirically false, and, as a matter of fact, just the opposite is true. Baking soda toothpaste has some of the lowest abrasivity among commercially available toothpastes.
What happens if you brush your teeth with only baking soda? ›
Baking soda is an inexpensive, readily available teeth cleanser. As a mild abrasive, it can lighten some tooth stains, and it can help scrub away dental plaque. However, because it doesn't contain fluoride, it's not as effective at preventing cavities as your typical fluoride toothpaste.
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.
Is baking soda good for your gums? ›
Prevents gum disease: Brushing with baking soda discourages the formation of plaque. This substance on your teeth can build up if not cleaned properly and cause gingivitis. Using baking soda or a toothpaste that contains baking soda can save you from having swollen, sore, and bleeding gums.
How does a professional family dentist weigh in on the following topic? A common trick for whiter teeth passed from mother to daughter is to brush with baking soda. Is the effectiveness of this technique a myth? Or is there wisdom to the old wives’ tale that baking soda will brighten your smile? Find out by reading the answers to these common inquiries.