Can You Use Baking Soda to Whiten Teeth?
Medically reviewed by Brian T. Luong, DMDMedically reviewed by Brian T. Luong, DMDIf you want to whiten your teeth, you have options other than teeth whitening kits or a trip to the dentist. Another effective and safe choice is baking soda. You can prepare a solution yourself or use toothpaste or rinses made with baking soda.
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How Baking Soda Can Remove Stains on TeethBaking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild abrasive. Mixing it with water and using it to brush your teeth physically removes surface stains from teeth. It scrubs tooth enamel, polishing it to reveal cleaner and whiter teeth underneath. Although it does not bleach teeth, by removing stains, teeth will look brighter and cleaner.
How Effective Is Baking Soda for Teeth Whitening?Baking soda is an effective choice for whitening teeth. Some studies have shown that toothpaste with baking soda is better at stain removal than other, more abrasive toothpastes, which are harsher on enamel.
Baking Soda and Peroxide to Whiten TeethBaking soda can be mixed with water to polish and whiten your teeth or combined with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleach that can enhance the whitening effect. It's generally quite safe, but it's important to use it correctly, as it can irritate or even damage tooth enamel and gums.If you swallow too much of it, it can be toxic, so measure the solution carefully or look for products with the peroxide and soda already mixed in.Pros and ConsBaking soda is a common option for teeth whitening, but there are a few factors to take into consideration if you're thinking about trying it.Pros
Effective on surface stains
Mild and safe to use as directed
Inexpensive
Can prepare it at home
Reduces plaque buildup and neutralizes harmful acids in mouth
Cons
May not get your teeth as white as other products or getting a professional service at a dentist's office
Texture is gritty
Will have to mix it yourself if you don't want to use manufactured teeth-whitening products with baking soda
Steps to Whiten Teeth With Baking SodaIf you want to make and use your own teeth-whitening paste at home with baking soda, here's how to do it:Mix about 1 tablespoon of baking soda with about 1 tablespoon of water to make a thick paste.Apply it to your teeth with a soft toothbrush or clean fingers.Brush for two minutes using circular motions. There's no need to use force as you brush.Spit out the paste and rinse your mouth and toothbrush when you're done.If you want to try a stronger solution, add hydrogen peroxide as follows:Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.Apply and brush as above.Keep the paste on your teeth for 60 seconds. Avoid swallowing the mixture.Spit out the paste and rinse well.Use whichever mixture you prefer, no more than twice a week. You can also add baking soda to your toothpaste.Only use baking soda meant for cooking. Do not use baking soda products meant for cleaning or deodorizing.Other Ways to Whiten TeethBefore choosing teeth whitening products or procedures, discussing your choices with a dentist is best. Options besides baking soda include:Whitening strips contain the bleaching agents hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. They are available over-the-counter (OTC). Stick them to your teeth as directed.Whitening trays contain the bleaching agents hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. A dentist can provide these to use at home. A premade mixture is added to small trays, which fit over your teeth. Use as directed.Whitening toothpaste may contain baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide. It is gentler than strips or trays.Whitening pens eject a small amount of whitening mixture to apply to your teeth. Different pens contain different whitening ingredients. They can be used on the go and don't generally require rinsing.Laser or LED whitening is done in a dental office using peroxide and lasers or LED (light-emitting diode) lights, activating the bleach more quickly.There are also herbal or other home remedy whiteners, and some research shows they may be as effective and safer for tooth enamel as bleaches, while other studies do not support this claim. If you want to try an herbal whitener, make sure you understand the differences among them, as there are many choices.SummaryBaking soda removes surface stains from the teeth, so they appear whiter and brighter. It's a safe option when used as recommended, and you can mix it at home or buy teeth whitening products that contain it. It's an inexpensive and effective way to remove stains that are darkening your teeth. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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