Can Baking Soda Help to Whiten Teeth?

Baking soda is basically sodium bicarbonate. It’s a white powder that offers a range of household uses. It’s most commonly used as a leavening agent, but you can also use it as a teeth whitener and cleaner.

Let’s discuss whether or not it’s safe and how to use it as a teeth whitener and cleaner effectively.

Is It Safe to Use Baking Soda to Clean and Whiten Teeth?

Using any product excessively can have side effects, and the same is the case with baking soda. It can damage the enamel of your teeth if you use it too much. It’s important to note that baking soda doesn’t have fluoride, unlike most products used for teeth whitening and cleaning.

Fluoride is a product that strengthens your teeth. Additionally, people with braces shouldn’t use baking soda because it can soften the glue of braces.

With that said, you can use baking soda to whiten your teeth. It’s also safe if you use it in moderation. It doesn’t have properties to fight against cavities, but it can whiten your teeth.

According to an NCBI study, many types of toothpaste that come with baking soda offer antibacterial properties. If you are interested in using baking soda, it’s important to follow the right steps to avoid side effects.

How to Whiten Teeth with Baking Soda?

You can use baking soda to whiten your teeth by mixing it with other household items. I have compiled a list of several ways that can be used periodically. Make sure that you don’t use these methods by replacing your daily oral hygiene routine.

Method 1: Baking Soda with Water

Materials You’ll Need

• Baking Soda
• Water
• Tooth Brush

Instructions to Follow

1. Add one teaspoon of baking soda to 2 teaspoons of water.
2. Mix the two ingredients gently to make a paste and put it on your toothbrush.
3. Brush your teeth gently for about 2 to 3 minutes and use fresh water to rinse your mouth.
4. Repeat the process once or twice a week for 3 to 4 months to achieve the best results.

A study shows that the paste made using the instructions discussed above can whiten your teeth more than your regular toothpaste.

Method 2: Baking Soda with Hydrogen Peroxide

Materials You’ll Need

• Baking soda
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Toothbrush

Instructions to Follow

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1.5 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Stir the mixture gently to create a paste and put it on your toothbrush.
3. Brush your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes and rinse your mouth thoroughly with fresh water.
4. Repeat the process once or twice a week for 2 months.

An NCBI study shows that hydrogen peroxide can reduce gingivitis indices and plaque.

Method 3: Baking Soda with Lemon Juice

Materials You’ll Need

• Baking soda
• Lemon Juice
• Toothbrush

Instructions to Follow

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda into 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
2. Stir the mixture gently for about a minute to create a paste and put it on your toothbrush.
3. Brush your teeth for about 2 to 3 minutes gently, and then rinse your mouth with fresh water properly.
4. Repeat the process once every 8 to 12 weeks for optimal results.

Make sure that you don’t use lemon juice frequently as it contains acidic properties. An NCBI study shows that the excessive use of lemon juice can damage your tooth enamel.

Method 4: Baking Soda with Toothpaste

Materials You’ll Need

• Baking Soda
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush

Instructions to Follow

1. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 2 tablespoons of your favorite toothpaste.
2. Stir the mixture gently to make a paste and put it on your toothbrush.
3. Brush your teeth for about 2 minutes and rinse your mouth with fresh water.
4. Repeat the process once or twice a week for 3 to 4 months to achieve the best results.

Method 5: Baking Soda with Coconut Oil

Materials You’ll Need

• Baking Soda
• Coconut Oil
• Toothbrush

Instructions to Follow

1. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
2. Stir the mixture gently to create a paste and put it on your toothbrush.
3. Brush your teeth with the paste for about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Rinse your mouth with fresh water thoroughly.
5. Repeat the process twice or thrice a week for at least 4 months to achieve the desired results.

An NCBI study shows that coconut oil can kill multiple types of bacteria in your mouth, and it can also fight against tooth decay and many gum diseases.

How Long Does Baking Soda Take to Offer Results?

Depending on your selected method, you can start seeing the results within one to two months. However, the optimal results can take up to 6 months.

As mentioned earlier, you must not use baking soda to whiten or clean your teeth daily. Otherwise, you’ll end up having teeth with damaged enamel. It’s also recommended to consult with your dentist before trying a new method for teeth whitening.

Do Toothpastes Have Baking Soda?

Yes, you can buy commercially available toothpaste that contains baking soda to enjoy the best of both worlds. You’ll have the minty flavour that you like and the polishing capabilities of baking soda.

Some studies also show that toothpaste with baking soda is better at fighting against bacteria and plaque as compared to the products that don’t have baking soda as an ingredient.

Advantages of Baking Soda

• The colonies of bacteria, also called biofilms, can damage your teeth a great deal and lead to cavities and gingivitis. Baking soda comes with properties that reduce gingivitis and plaque.
• Baking soda can also reduce bacteria if used with water. A study shows that the mixture of water and baking soda increases your mouth’s pH and makes it less acidic. Resultantly, it becomes difficult for bacteria to multiply.
• Baking soda comes with natural properties to whiten your teeth, and that’s why many manufacturers use it in their toothpaste products. Studies also show that baking soda can remove stains from your teeth.
• Last but not least, baking soda is also inexpensive, making it an affordable option to whiten teeth.