How to brush teeth with baking soda

Brushing teeth with baking soda can be an affordable way to remove teeth stains or whiten the teeth, however, there are quite a lot of whitening products and treatments that may be more effective at doing this too, individuals should therefore consider these too while looking for a whitening solution.

Baking soda has long been used as an alternative to toothpaste. Many people will admit to brushing teeth with baking soda. Today, many toothpaste manufacturers incorporate baking soda into their formula. As with most things, there are pros and cons associated with using this agent as a toothpaste alternative.

Pros of Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda

• It works to help clean teeth. According to the Journal of Clinical Dentistry (June 2008), brushing teeth with baking soda products was proven more effective than using products without baking soda.
• It’s inexpensive. If you use just baking soda, a box will last you for a long time and costs less than $1.

Cons of Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda

• It’s messy. Brushing teeth with baking soda may be inexpensive, but it’s certainly not neat. Baking soda manufacturers have not mastered the handy packaging you find among most toothpastes.
• It feels gritty. Anyone who has experienced brushing teeth with baking soda will most likely comment on the unpleasant feeling of soda throughout their mouth.
• It’s not approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA has not approved brushing teeth with baking soda.
• Brushing with baking soda alone will not provide you with the fluoride you need to help re-mineralize teeth and prevent cavities.

Skeptical of brushing your teeth with baking soda alone? If you want the cleaning benefit provided by brushing teeth with baking soda, but also want the added protection provided by a toothpaste that contains fluoride and protects against cavities, you may consider Crest Pro-Health toothpastes. Available in various flavors/varieties (Clean Mint, Smooth Peppermint, and Whitening Power), this product is the first and only toothpaste that is accepted by the American Dental Association for six different areas: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, whitening, sensitivity, and breath.

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a household staple used primarily in baking and cleaning. However, some people use baking soda for health-related conditions, like soothing mouth sores, heartburn, and brushing teeth.

Research supports using baking soda paste to clean and whiten teeth, but the taste and texture of baking soda can be off-putting. As an alternative, dental products that contain baking soda are widely available.

This article discusses the pros and cons of brushing your teeth with baking soda.

Is It Safe to Brush Teeth With Baking Soda?

Researchers have studied whether baking soda as toothpaste is safe. Studies have concluded the following about its safety as a dental cleaner:

• Low abrasiveness
• Does not contribute to root sensitivity
• Safe for people on low-salt diets

In addition, researchers evaluated baking soda's abrasiveness in commercial toothpastes and found that products containing baking soda are safe and low abrasive.

You generally swallow 5% to 7% of the toothpaste you're brushing with. At these low levels, baking soda is safe to ingest.

Advantages

Brushing teeth with baking soda offers numerous benefits. It is an inexpensive way to whiten teeth, and it can reduce plaque and the risk of gingivitis (gum disease).

Whitens Teeth

The mild abrasiveness of baking soda makes it an ideal product for scrubbing away stains, and research supports its use as a teeth whitener. One study found that baking soda toothpaste was effective as a stain remover and whitener.

Is Inexpensive

Baking soda is cheap. So, if you're on a budget and can't afford expensive teeth whitening procedures or products, baking soda makes a great low-cost alternative.

Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis

Baking soda is an excellent scrubbing agent to remove plaque, a sticky coating of bacteria that builds up on teeth. Its cleansing properties make it ideal for keeping your mouth clean.

One study found that toothpaste containing baking soda is effective at removing plaque biofilm. In another study, researchers found baking soda toothpaste users had reduced gum bleeding, gum inflammation, and plaque buildup after six months.

May Reduce Bacteria

Researchers found baking soda reduces mouth bacteria due to its neutralizing effect on acids produced by oral bacteria. This process can interrupt the attachment of bacteria to the tooth, thereby reducing the likelihood of plaque growth.

Disadvantages

While there are plenty of pros for using baking soda paste for teeth, there are also some downsides.

It’s Gritty and Tastes Unappealing

Baking soda doesn't taste great and can feel like sand between your teeth. If you can't tolerate plain baking soda mixed with water, plenty of commercial toothpaste options contain baking soda.

Doesn’t Protect Against Cavities

Another disadvantage of using baking soda to clean teeth is that it lacks the necessary fluoride to protect your teeth from cavities. In one review, researchers discovered fluoride toothpaste had a dose-dependent effect on preventing cavities. The higher the fluoride concentration, the better-protected participants were from cavities. Using baking soda alone is not approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) because it lacks fluoride.

Less Dramatic Whitening

While baking soda is a practical, low-cost whitening agent for superficial stains, it is less effective than other commercial products or professional services. That is because commercially available products and professional services rely on more potent ingredients, including bleaching agents for deeper stains.

Baking Soda Dental Products

Many toothpaste manufacturers have products that contain baking soda. Some products containing baking soda are:

• Crest Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening
• Colgate Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening
• Arm and Hammer Advance White Breath Freshening
• Aim Whitening Fresh Mint Gel With Baking Soda
• Ultra Brite Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening
• Tom's of Maine Natural Baking Soda Cavity Protection

When purchasing toothpaste, read the label to ensure it includes fluoride for maximum cavity protection and contains the ADA seal of approval.

Summary

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.

A Word From Verywell

Since baking soda lacks fluoride, it's probably not the best choice for everyday toothpaste. However, it might be a perfect scrub for occasionally brightening your smile and whitening teeth. It can also be a good alternative if you run out of toothpaste. To make a baking soda toothpaste, pour a little baking soda into a small dish and add enough water to form a paste. Then, dip your toothbrush into the mixture and brush as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How effective at tartar removal is brushing teeth with baking soda?

  Research has shown baking soda to be quite effective at removing tartar from teeth. Its abrasiveness helps remove plaque, while its neutralizing properties prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth.

  Learn More: Plaque vs. Tartar

• How fast does baking soda whiten teeth?

  Since baking soda whitens teeth by scrubbing off stains, you should see whitening effects immediately after brushing. However, it may take multiple brushings to remove stains thoroughly.

  Learn More: Guide to Brushing Your Teeth

• How often should you brush your teeth 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.

  Should I brush my teeth with baking soda before or after toothpaste?

  Leaving it on too long or using it too often could lead to the tooth enamel's erosion. Brush your teeth as usual with toothpaste after rinsing out the baking soda. However, do not use baking soda if you have braces or another non-removable dental correcting device.

  Is it safe to 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 long does it take for baking soda to whiten teeth?

  Because baking soda removes discoloration from the surface of your teeth, it won't remove deeper stains. According to the Mayo Clinic, toothpaste containing baking soda can help coffee and smoking stains, and it could take between two to six weeks for you to notice a difference.

  What is the best way to brush your teeth with baking soda?

  To use baking soda to brush your teeth:.

  Mix a tablespoon of the powder with a tablespoon of water to make a thick paste..

  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or your finger to brush for two minutes in circular motions..

  Coat all of your teeth..

  Rinse your mouth with mouthwash and/or water after two minutes..