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.
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.
Do dentists recommend brushing 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.
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 to do after brushing teeth with baking soda? ›
Do not scrub too hard or use too much force. After two minutes, spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash. Rinse your toothbrush as well.
What are the side effects of rinsing your mouth with baking soda? ›
Baking soda may be allergic to some people, especially women, as a result, it may cause rashes and sores on the palate, gums, tongue, and lips. Burning, itching or pain may occur due to mucosal irritation. Also, bleeding gums are not impossible.
What are the long term effects of brushing 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.
Can brushing teeth with baking soda raise blood pressure? ›
High blood pressure: Sodium bicarbonate might increase blood pressure. People who already have high blood pressure should avoid sodium bicarbonate. Low potassium levels in the blood: Sodium bicarbonate might lower potassium blood levels.
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.
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.
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.
Why do my teeth hurt after brushing with baking soda? ›
Another disadvantage of using baking soda as an alternative for toothpaste is its unpleasant taste. The gritty texture of the compound can also be troublesome. Using baking soda more than twice a week for cleaning the teeth may even result in sensitivity and severe toothache.
How long does it take for baking soda to work on 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.
Can I use baking soda every day on my teeth? ›
Use in moderation
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.
How often can you rinse your mouth with baking soda? ›
Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the pain. You can make a banking soda rinse by mixing baking soda with water and rinsing your mouth with it at least thrice a day until the sores heal.
How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
As the baking soda only removes stains from the surface level of the teeth and not the enamel it can be passable at removing light stains such as coffee and food, but you might not notice a big difference for four to six weeks.
Can I brush my teeth everyday with baking soda and peroxide? ›
Brush with this paste and thoroughly rinse! Use this paste in moderation; no more than 2-3 times a week. Too much baking soda can break down enamel, which may lead to sensitivity. Remember that this paste does not have any added fluoride benefit.
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.