Introduction
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has been used as a homemade alternative to toothpaste and other commercial teeth whitening products for many years. Research has suggested that baking soda can help whiten teeth, but it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects before using it.
This guide will discuss the potential effectiveness of using baking soda as a natural tooth whitener, as well as the pros and cons of this method. Additionally, it will provide other methods of whitening your teeth that have been proven in clinical studies.
What is Bicarbonate of Soda?
Bicarbonate of soda, sometimes known as baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural product made up mainly of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). It has many uses in the home, including cleaning, deodorizing and whitening teeth.
A white smile can be re-created by brushing your teeth with a mix of baking soda and water; this process helps remove plaque and brings back the sparkle to dull teeth.
Baking soda is also used for teeth whitening when combined with either hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice. The acid in these liquids helps dissolve any existing stains on the tooth enamel while baking soda scrubs away the surface of the tooth to further help remove discolouration. By using this mixture regularly, you should start to notice whiter results. Results will also depend on diet; staying away from food and drinks that can stain your teeth should help achieve a brighter finish.
Benefits of Bicarbonate of Soda for Teeth Whitening
Bicarbonate of soda is a natural, effective and safe way to whiten teeth. It is much gentler than over-the-counter whitening solutions, which use harsh chemicals and often contain bleaching agents. Bicarbonate of soda is a form of baking soda that can help remove surface stains on the teeth caused by heavily pigmented foods and drinks.
Unlike other whitening products, bicarbonate of soda does not contain bleaching agents so it won’t damage the enamel or tooth structure underneath the stain. It’s a more gradual process, but with regular use over time (soluble in water) it will gently leave behind whiter, brighter teeth without any harshness or risk to oral health.
Bicarbonate of soda whitening works by scrubbing away discoloration on the surface layer of the teeth using an abrasive action. The baking soda crystals are very fine when mixed with water to form a paste that can be applied directly to the teeth. The paste helps lift away stains like tea, coffee, red wine and nicotine from your enamel. In addition to brightening your smile, bicarbonate of soda also has several other benefits for oral health:
- It has antibacterial properties that help fight gum disease and bad breath
- It helps reduce plaque buildup on your teeth
- It’s an effective stain remover for hard-to-reach areas in between your teeth
- It can help protect against acidic foods that wear away the enamel on your teeth
- It’s inexpensive compared to professional cleaning treatments or commercial whitening strips
How to Use Bicarbonate of Soda for Teeth Whitening
Bicarbonate of Soda, also known as baking soda, is an effective and natural way to whiten your teeth. It’s mild abrasive properties remove surface stains and discoloration and can help to get rid of bad breath. Besides its teeth whitening properties, many people also use bicarbonate of soda for skin care and natural deodorant.
Let’s look at how you can use bicarbonate of soda for teeth whitening:
Step 1: Mix the Bicarbonate of Soda
Bicarbonate of soda is an effective, natural and inexpensive way to whiten teeth. It works by gently removing surface stains that have been caused by food, drinks, smoking and aging. The bicarbonate of soda acts as a mild abrasive to remove the outer layers of the teeth and make them look whiter.
Follow these steps to use it correctly:
- Mix the Bicarbonate of Soda. In a small bowl, create a paste with equal parts bicarbonate of soda and water. For example you can use 1/2 teaspoon each of bicarbonate of soda and water. Stir until the mixture turns into a paste-like consistency. When mixed properly, the paste should not run across your fingers or drip out of the bowl.
- Use your finger or a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply the paste onto your teeth in circular motions for about two minutes on each tooth surface.
Step 2: Apply the Paste to Teeth
Once the paste is ready, you can begin the whitening process. Moisten your toothbrush and apply the paste to its bristles. Gently brush onto your teeth for two minutes, making sure to cover both the front and back of each tooth. Spit out any excess paste, using lukewarm water to remove any residue from your mouth.
Use this method twice a day for one week for best results. To maintain these results it is recommended to use bicarbonate of soda once a week.
Step 3: Rinse and Brush
Once you have finished swishing the bicarbonate of soda in your mouth, it is time to rinse and brush. Spit out as much of the paste as possible and make sure that none remains in your mouth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water for 10-15 seconds.
Finally, you should brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride; it is important to use a fluoride-containing toothpaste to help protect teeth from decay and cavities. Make sure to wait at least 20 minutes after using the baking soda solution before brushing since the acidity can temporarily weaken enamel. Use circular motions and be gentle while brushing so as not to damage the enamel. Rinse your mouth again when finished brushing so that any residue is removed.
Risks of Using Bicarbonate of Soda for Teeth Whitening
While bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) has become a popular home remedy for teeth whitening, using this product on the teeth can have some negative side effects. Bicarbonate of soda is a substance without an abrasive agent, meaning its effectiveness lies in promoting healthy saliva production and gently removing surface stains. Overuse of this substance can cause severe damage to your teeth due to its low pH and abrasive nature.
In general, it is best to limit bicarbonate of soda to occasional use rather than regular use as part of your dental hygiene routine. When using bicarbonate of soda to whiten your teeth, it is important to understand the risks that are associated with overuse:
- Enamel erosion: Repeated exposure to baking soda can lead to enamel erosion, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay and pain when exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Tooth sensitivity and cavities: When enamel is compromised, teeth are more prone than normal to developing fractures due as well as increased sensitivity and cavities or decay.
- Gum tissue irritation: While baking soda may help remove surface stains from the tooth’s outer layer, it can also irritate gum tissue if used too frequently or in excessive amounts. Continuous use can cause gum recession which ultimately results in more visible root surfaces and increased sensitivity.
To avoid these risks associated with using bicarbonate for whitening purposes, be sure use sparingly (no more than once a week), combine with water for a milder formula, brush gently and not allow contact with the gums or tongue for extended periods of time. Avoid swallowing any leftovers after application; if you do swallow some baking soda rinse out with plenty of water or consult with your dentist immediately for further guidance.
Alternatives to Bicarbonate of Soda for Teeth Whitening
Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) has long been used as a DIY teeth whitening solution, but there are other options to consider when wanting to whiten your teeth without resorting to harsh whitening treatments from a dentist. For example, activated charcoal has become popular for its ability to absorb plaque and stains from the teeth. Other natural products you may consider include baking powder, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar and strawberries.
Activated charcoal is an odourless and tasteless powder which binds with tannins which are the particles that cause tooth discolouration. Used as a toothpaste or toothpowder this product contains no harsh chemicals and can usually be found in all-natural food stores or online stores.
Baking powder is another option when looking for a whitening solution with natural ingredients; it contains baking soda as well as cream of tartar which both act as cleaning agents and can help remove plaque and tea or coffee stains from the teeth surface.
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective bleach when used in low concentrations and applied carefully. When shopping for it, ensure that you only choose 3% solutions; higher concentrations could damage the enamel of your teeth if used inappropriately – always test on a small area first before using a wide brush. Make sure you rinse thoroughly after use due to its acidic nature; hydrogen peroxide should not be left on your teeth for more than one minute at any given time for safety reasons.
Apple cider vinegar does contain some acids that inherently have bleaching effects but these are very mild compared to other solutions like hydrogen peroxide so extend exposure times before rinsing off will result in potential damage to the enamel if done incorrectly or too often.
Strawberries contain malic acid so they can naturally help break down certain types of stain accumulate over time – they are considered a gentle solution when looking for natural alternatives however these will take longer than other solutions such as Activated Charcoal or Hydrogen Peroxide.
When considering any kind of whitening procedure it is important to keep safety in mind– always consult with your dentist before choosing any product or treatment including over-the-counter solutions, especially if you have sensitive gums or promoting gum recession.
Conclusion
In summary, while baking soda has been shown to be effective in removing surface stains from teeth, its abrasive properties make it such that it should only be used sparingly. Further research is needed to determine the enamel erosive effects of baking soda and the long-term implications for tooth health.
When selecting a teeth whitening agent, it is important to select one that is both safe for daily use and can effectively remove stains from the surface of your teeth. It is also important to talk to your dentist or dental hygienist in order to determine which approach will work best for you and allow you to obtain whiter teeth safely and with minimal risk of damage.