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
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 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 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 health benefits of brushing your teeth with baking soda? ›
Baking soda is alkaline, so it can help regulate your mouth's PH by neutralizing the acidity. 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.
What happens if you use too much baking soda on your 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 using baking soda on your teeth? ›
Cons of Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda
- It's messy. ...
- It feels gritty. ...
- It's not approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). ...
- Brushing with baking soda alone will not provide you with the fluoride you need to help re-mineralize teeth and prevent cavities.
Baking soda can prevent and treat tartar buildup on your teeth. Also called sodium bicarbonate, it helps by softening tartar. It also balances the acids in your mouth that create plaque and stop it from turning into tartar. As it is mildly abrasive, it's an effective option to scrub away stains and whiten your teeth.
Does baking soda help with 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.
How long does it take for baking soda to clean 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.
But on average, it can start to remove surface stains within just 2 days. However, it may take as long as two to three weeks to notice small noticeable results. Severity of Stains. The time it takes to see results with baking soda depends on the severity and nature of the stains.
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.
Is baking soda good for your gums? ›
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 baking soda whiten skin? ›
Baking soda and lemon juice are rich in bleaching properties. Using it regularly lightens the skin giving it an equal tone. It also helps in getting rid of dead skin cells.
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.