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
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.
Do dentists recommend brushing with baking soda? ›
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.
What happens if you only 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. Some people also mix the baking soda with lemon juice, strawberries or other ingredients to clean the teeth.
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 are the advantages and disadvantages of brushing teeth with baking soda? ›
The bottom line. 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.
What are the disadvantages 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.
Should you rinse after brushing teeth with baking soda? ›
A DIY baking soda toothpaste: Add this into your care routine while still using a fluoride toothpaste as your primary product. An easy recipe is one tablespoon of water and one tablespoon of baking soda, mixed into a paste and gently applied to every area in the mouth. Rinse thoroughly after two minutes.
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.
Why do my gums hurt after brushing with baking soda? ›
Sodium bicarbonate is not only harmful but also dangerous to health. Some women may have an allergy to baking soda. As a result, a rash may appear on the palate, tongue, lips, and gums. Burning, itching, or pain may occur due to irritation of the mucous membrane.
Can I brush my teeth with hydrogen peroxide? ›
Some kinds of toothpaste and mouth washing products contain small concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using pure hydrogen peroxide on your teeth or for other uses at home. Consider using safer options like gel or whitening strips. They are more effective at whitening teeth than toothpaste or mouthwash.
Sea Salt. Similar to baking soda, sea salt will clean the teeth. However, people must dissolve it in water before applying it to the teeth.
Will baking soda remove plaque from teeth? ›
Brushing with baking soda can safely and effectively remove plaque. While still abrasive, baking soda toothpaste is not as hard as the enamel that makes up teeth and can remove plaque without damaging the enamel.
How long does it take for baking soda to clean your teeth? ›
Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent used to remove stains from 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.
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 cons of baking soda? ›
Long-term and overuse of baking soda can increase your risk for :
- hypokalemia.
- hypochloremia.
- hypernatremia.
- worsening kidney disease.
- worsening heart failure.
- muscle weakness and cramps.
- increased stomach acid production.
Symptoms of baking soda overdose include:
- Constipation.
- Convulsions.
- Diarrhea.
- Feeling of being full.
- Frequent urination.
- Irritability.
- Muscle spasms.
- Muscle weakness.
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.
Does brushing with baking soda help periodontal disease? ›
Baking soda has antibacterial properties, so it can reduce the occurrence or accumulation of bacteria in your mouth that may cause decay or periodontal disease. Brushing with baking soda can help remove food remains that encourage bacterial growth.
Does swishing with baking soda help teeth? ›
The Benefits of Baking Soda on Oral Health
According to a research article published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is found to have properties of reducing plaque, gingivitis and extrinsic stains.
Can you use Arm and Hammer baking soda to brush your teeth? ›
If you already have a favorite toothpaste or oral hygiene routine, you can add a weekly whitening treatment with baking soda to help keep your smile bright. Break out the orange box of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda or your go-to tube of ARM & HAMMER™ Toothpaste and see why brushing with baking soda is better!
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.