Can Baking Soda be Used to Brush and Whiten Teeth? (2024)

Baking soda is considered a miracle product. Originally developed in 1843, baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a reliable cleaning agent, deodorizer, baking ingredient and home health remedy. Many people wonder whether they can safely use baking soda to brush or whiten their teeth. Here’s what you should know.

Safe, inexpensive toothpaste

Next time you brush your teeth, check the ingredient list on the toothpaste tube. It probably contains sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Many toothpaste products endorsed by the American Dental Association contain baking soda. So, instead of buying toothpaste containing baking soda, some people mix a paste of baking soda and water and brush with it to clean their pearly whites.

Using baking soda is less expensive and may work better at cleaning teeth than store-bought toothpaste because it’s concentrated. Some people recommend adding a few drops of peppermint oil to improve the taste of the baking soda paste. Learn six ways to take better care of your teeth.

Whitens teeth

Most professional dental products used for teeth whitening contain sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. These products work together to clean stains on and between teeth.

Dental experts say that since baking soda is gritty and abrasive as toothpaste, it works well to remove surface stains. For deeper cleaning, people safely can mix baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to create a toothpaste. However, since hydrogen peroxide can sting, people with sensitive teeth and gums should discontinue using this paste if they experience pain or discomfort. Note: Use the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture for only one or two weeks at a time to protect tooth enamel.

Benefits vs. disadvantages

Here’s a summary of the benefits and disadvantages of using baking soda for brushing and whitening teeth:

Benefits:

  • It’s fluoride free, which may be important for people concerned about using over-the-counter toothpaste containing this chemical.
  • It’s natural and doesn’t contain dyes, flavorings or other harmful chemicals.
  • Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are effective in whitening teeth.
  • It cleans and removes plaque.

Disadvantages:

  • It takes time to mix up the paste, and it can be messy.
  • It has an unpleasant taste and gritty texture.
  • It does not contain fluoride, so teeth may be more susceptible to decay.
  • It’s abrasive and may wear down tooth enamel.

Another way to keep teeth and gums healthy is to eat fruits and vegetables rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, bioflavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, D and E. Read this blog to learn more.

Can Baking Soda be Used to Brush and Whiten Teeth? (2024)

FAQs

Can Baking Soda be Used to Brush and Whiten Teeth? ›

Conclusion. Baking soda is an effective teeth whitener when used appropriately to brush the teeth.

Can you brush your teeth with just baking soda and water? ›

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.

How long does it take for baking soda to whiten your 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.

What happens if you brush your teeth with baking soda and lemon? ›

Baking soda is abrasive and lemon juice is acidic. Together they form a destructive duo that corrodes tooth enamel. This will undoubtedly remove surface stains, but it will also damage the protective layer of your teeth in the process. Enamel is there to defend your teeth and once it's gone, it's gone forever.

How to make teeth whiter in 3 minutes with baking soda? ›

How to whiten teeth with baking soda and water
  1. Add one teaspoon of baking soda to a small bowl.
  2. Mix in a few drops of water.
  3. Stir until it becomes a paste.
  4. Apply mixture to toothbrush and brush it on your teeth.
  5. Leave the paste on your teeth for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Rinse out thoroughly with water and you're done.
Dec 25, 2023

What happens if you brush your teeth with baking soda and toothpaste? ›

Baking soda with toothpaste for teeth whitening

Its mild abrasive nature makes it the best option for removing stains visible on the surface of the teeth. Dental care experts often recommend people to mix soda with regular fluoride toothpaste.

How do you brush your teeth with baking soda to whiten them? ›

Using a mixture of baking soda and water can help buff away stains with little to no irritation, even on sensitive teeth. To use baking soda and water to whiten, simply combine 1 tsp baking soda and a small amount of water until paste forms, then use to brush teeth with circular motions, followed by a thorough rinse.

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.

Can I mix baking soda with my toothpaste? ›

The feel of brushing with baking soda can be surprising for first-timers. If used with just water, it will be quite gritty and leave an unappealing aftertaste. Some people combat this by mixing it with toothpaste or other flavors, such as peppermint.

How to whiten teeth quickly? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Does Vicks whiten teeth? ›

Vicks VapoRub is toxic to consume and should not be used for teeth whitening.

Does vaseline whiten teeth? ›

APPLY VASELINE TO YOUR TEETH. A slick across your gnashers can not only act as a protective layer against staining from what passes your lips, but also it can keep lippy in place and prevent it from transferring onto your teeth. Either way – you've got a whiter smile.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

What whitens teeth the fastest? ›

Quick Whitening Solutions for Brushing
  • Baking Soda. One option for quick teeth whitening is to brush your teeth with baking soda. ...
  • Activated Charcoal. Activated charcoal is made via heating using gas. ...
  • Powdered Milk. Powdered milk has a number of benefits for your teeth. ...
  • Banana Peel. ...
  • Strawberries and Baking Soda.
Nov 28, 2022

What whitens teeth the fastest at home? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week.

Does straight baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Less dramatic whitening

While the American Dental Association (ADA) considers baking soda safe for your enamel and dentin, some researchers have given it a low rating as a teeth whitener because it may not remove stains as effectively as some other products.

What does baking soda and water do to your teeth? ›

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.

How often should you brush your teeth with baking soda and water? ›

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.

What happens when you rinse your mouth with baking soda and water? ›

Baking soda can rebalance the levels of acid and help to treat and prevent halitosis. Dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water to make an effective mouth rinse to beat bad breath.

How much baking soda and water to brush teeth? ›

Mix about a tablespoon of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda with about a tablespoon of water in a small bowl (roughly equal parts baking soda and water). You'll make a thick paste that you can apply to your teeth with your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush.

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