- Categories
- Health
- Teeth and Mouth Health
- Tooth Health
- Whitening Teeth
Download Article
Explore this Article
methods
1Brushing with a Baking Soda Paste
2Trying Alternative Methods
Other Sections
VideoWATCH NOW
Tips and Warnings
Related Articles
References
Article Summary
Medically reviewed byCristian Macau, DDS
Last Updated: January 12, 2024Fact Checked
Download Article
ARTICLE
VIDEO
Having white teeth can be a major confidence boost. Fortunately, you may not need to spend lots of money on whitening kits or professional treatments. Brushing or rinsing with baking soda could help whiten your teeth, but be aware you should use it carefully. To prevent dental erosion, brush with baking soda in moderation and avoid using too much force. Bear in mind discoloration may point to dental issues, so try to see a dentist if you haven't had a checkup in a while.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Brushing with a Baking Soda Paste
Download Article
1
Mix baking soda and water. In a small cup, mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon (1½ to 3g) of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. A paste of about 2 parts of baking soda mixed with 1 part of water is easier to apply and more effective than baking soda alone.[1]
- Avoid making a paste with baking soda and lemon, strawberry, or any other fruit juice. Fruit juices are acidic and could erode your teeth's enamel, especially when combined with baking soda or other abrasive products.[2]
2
Brush your teeth with the baking soda paste for 1 to 2 minutes. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the paste, and gently scrub your teeth using circular motions. Brush all around instead of scrubbing 1 spot for the entire 2 minutes. Be sure not to brush hard or you might hurt your teeth.[3]
- Alternatively, use your fingertips to gently rub your teeth with the paste. Rub in soft circles, and don’t use too much force.
- If you have receding gums, avoid brushing the base of your teeth and around your gum line with baking soda. The substance that covers your teeth below the gums is softer than enamel and prone to damage.[4]
Advertisem*nt
3
Rinse out your mouth when you’re finished brushing. After brushing for 2 minutes, spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Give your toothbrush a thorough rinse as well.
- Note that you shouldn’t rinse after brushing with fluoride toothpaste, as rinsing reduces fluoride’s beneficial effects. For this reason, don’t brush or rinse with baking soda right after brushing with regular toothpaste. If you need to rinse away visible residue after using regular toothpaste, use as little water as possible.[5]
4
Repeat every other day for up to 2 weeks. At most, brush your teeth with baking soda paste every other day for 1 to 2 weeks. Then cut back to doing it just once or twice a week. Since it’s abrasive, using baking soda more frequently may damage your teeth.[6]
- Keep in mind that brushing your teeth with baking soda should not replace brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups are the best ways to keep your teeth healthy.
- Before brushing with baking soda, check with your dentist to see if your teeth are healthy enough for this method. Your teeth may be sensitive to abrasion, and baking soda may cause irreversible dental erosion.
Advertisem*nt
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Trying Alternative Methods
Download Article
1
Mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide may whiten teeth, but you need to use it with caution. To try this method, mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Brush your teeth with the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse with water.[7]
- Make sure you use hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% or less. Brush with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda once a week at most.
- Stop brushing and rinse your mouth with cool water if you feel a burning sensation. Don’t use this method if you have receding or sensitive gums, as hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and damage exposed roots.[8]
Safety tip: It's important to rinse out your mouth thoroughly after using hydrogen peroxide. Even diluted solutions can cause vomiting and stomach upset if ingested. Additionally, any residue left behind could bleach your teeth and lead to uneven whitening.
2
Brush your teeth with a mix of baking soda and fluoride toothpaste. Squeeze your regular toothpaste onto your toothbrush, then sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on top. Brush your teeth as you normally would for 2 minutes with soft, circular motions. Then spit and, if you need to rinse away white residue, swish your mouth with a little water.[9]
- As with a baking soda and water paste, brush with baking soda and toothpaste in moderation. Try it every other day for 1 to 2 weeks at first, then brush with baking soda once or twice a week at most.
- You can also purchase a toothpaste that already contains baking soda. In the United States, look for a product that carries the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance, and use it as directed.[10]
- If you have sensitive teeth or dental erosion, avoid using toothpaste that contains baking soda or is branded as whitening products.[11]
3
Gargle with a baking soda and water rinse. Combine 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda and 1 cup (240mL) of water in a glass, then stir the mixture until the baking soda is evenly distributed. Take a sip, gargle for about 30 seconds, then spit out the mixture. Repeat the steps until you’ve finished the entire glass.[12]
- The baking soda rinse won't erode your teeth, so it's safe to gargle with it daily.
- Gargling with a baking soda rinse whitens your teeth indirectly. Baking soda neutralizes acids, so it helps fight dental erosion caused by acidic foods and beverages. It can also help fight bacteria that cause decay and promote good bacteria that create a protective layer on your teeth.[13]
Advertisem*nt
Expert Q&A
Search
Question
What if it doesn't work? Is there any other alternative?
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental SurgeryDr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Expert Answer
If it doesn’t work at all (which is less likely), you will need a professional whitening treatment performed in a dental office under the guidance of an experienced dentist. Ask your dentist to do a tailored whitening, which consists of applying the gel on areas where whitening has not been complete.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
Not Helpful 54Helpful 201
Question
How many times a day can it be done?
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental SurgeryDr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Expert Answer
No more than once a day and no longer than two weeks in a row. Stop the procedure for one week and repeat if necessary. Avoiding colored foods and drinks will help you keep a longer result. Remember that you must also do regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
Not Helpful 44Helpful 158
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Advertisem*nt
Reader Videos
Video
Read Video Transcript
Tips
Avoid brushing your gums with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
Thanks
Helpful28Not Helpful4
Remember not to brush with a mix of baking soda and lemon juice or other acidic substances.
Thanks
Helpful21Not Helpful4
Don't brush a single area of your mouth for too long. Divide 1 to 1 ½ minute evenly among your top teeth, then brush your bottom teeth for a total of 1 to 1 ½ minute.
Thanks
Helpful9Not Helpful5
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Gargle with baking soda rinses to fight acid erosion. The alkaline baking soda neutralizes damaging mouth acids left by foods and drinks. Daily gargling promotes tooth protection.
- Check on dental health before using baking soda. See your dentist to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for abrasive baking soda if you have concerns.
- Use baking soda paste sparingly at first to avoid gum irritation. Start with every other day applications for 1-2 weeks. Frequency depends on gum sensitivity.
- Gauge baking soda ratio carefully when mixing. Too much abrasive baking soda risks eroding enamel. Find the right balance for your teeth through practice.
- Mix baking soda with regular toothpaste when brushing. Using toothpaste with baking soda already added reduces measuring. Apply as normal for 2 minutes.
- Rinse mouth thoroughly after using baking soda mixes. Residue left from abrasive baking soda or acidic fruit juices could lead to uneven whitening.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisem*nt
Warnings
See a dentist if you’re concerned about whitening your teeth. Stains or discoloration may be signs of problems that require professional dental care.[14]
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
Don’t brush your teeth with baking soda or abrasive toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth, which may indicate dental erosion. Brushing with abrasive products will just make matters worse.[15]
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
Avoid brushing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide if you have braces or a permanent retainer.[16]
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
To prevent uneven coloration or damage to your dental work, don’t use hydrogen peroxide or at-home bleaching kits if you have crowns, caps, or veneers.[17]
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
Advertisem*nt
You Might Also Like
Advertisem*nt
References
- ↑ https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30811-5/fulltext
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/natural-teeth-whitening/
- ↑ https://now.tufts.edu/articles/what-causes-discolored-teeth-and-there-any-way-cure-or-prevent-staining
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-whiten-teeth/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html
- ↑ https://now.tufts.edu/articles/what-causes-discolored-teeth-and-there-any-way-cure-or-prevent-staining
- ↑ https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30811-5/fulltext
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/patients-families/health-matters/june-2016/diy-teeth-whitening-too-good-to-be-true.aspx
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29056186/
More References (8)
- ↑ https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-erosion
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-erosion
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sore-throat-remedies-that-actually-work/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10958-tooth-discoloration
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10899-teeth-retainer
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/healthy.html
About This Article
Medically reviewed by:
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
This article was medically reviewed by Cristian Macau, DDS. Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015. This article has been viewed 5,899,774 times.
186 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 201
Updated: January 12, 2024
Views:5,899,774
Categories: Featured Articles | Whitening Teeth | Home Remedies
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Read More...
Article SummaryX
To whiten your teeth with baking soda, first mix together 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water to form a paste. Then, gently brush your teeth with the paste for 1-2 minutes. Rinse out your mouth with water when you’re finished. Repeat every other day for up to 2 weeks, then cut back to once or twice a week for the best results. Alternatively, brush your teeth with 2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1 part baking soda a few times per week. Either way, make sure you continue brushing your teeth with toothpaste twice a day to keep them clean and healthy. Check with your dentist before brushing with baking soda to make sure it’s right for your teeth. Baking soda may be too abrasive if you have sensitive teeth. For more advice from our Dental co-author, like how to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, scroll down!
Did this summary help you?
In other languages
Français:blanchir ses dents avec du bicarbonate de sodium
Español:blanquear los dientes con bicarbonato
Português:Branquear os Dentes com Bicarbonato de Sódio
Nederlands:Je tanden witter maken met zuiveringszout
Русский:отбелить зубы содой
中文:用小苏打美白牙齿
Čeština:Jak si vybělit zuby jedlou sodou
Bahasa Indonesia:Memutihkan Gigi dengan Soda Kue
日本語:重層で歯を白くする
हिन्दी:बेकिंग सोडा से दांत चमकायें
العربية:تبييض الأسنان باستخدام بيكربونات الصودا
한국어:베이킹소다로 치아미백 하는 법
Tiếng Việt:Làm trắng Răng với Muối nở
ไทย:ทำให้ฟันขาวด้วยเบกกิ้งโซดา
Türkçe:Kabartma Tozu ile Diş Nasıl Beyazlatılır
- Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,899,774 times.
Reader Success Stories
Chris Grenci
Aug 4, 2017
"I lost all medical and dental coverage five years ago. I need all the advice I can get to help care for my teeth...." more
More reader storiesHide reader stories
Did this article help you?
Advertisem*nt