Brushing teeth with baking soda is sometimes promoted as an effective way to whiten the teeth. Baking soda (also called sodium bicarbonate) is an abrasive compound that can remove the stains that are caused by drinking coffee, tea, smoking, etc. and the debris on the surface of the teeth to make the teeth appear whiter and brighter. It can therefore to some extent whiten the teeth and may prevent some discolouration too.
How Baking Soda Is Used for Teeth Whitening
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
While some may encourage or recommend the use of lemon juice and strawberry with baking soda, in order to enhance its whitening capabilities, these are not ideal. Lemon juice is acidic and can actually eat away the calcium from the teeth and corrode or destroy it, lemon juice may also cause some inflammation of the gums. Strawberries can whiten the teeth because of the ascorbic acid in them, and since acids are generally not good for the teeth, using strawberries together with baking soda can therefore be harmful to the teeth.
One of the benefits of using baking soda is the fact that it can serve as a cheaper alternative to expensive whitening treatments and products. It can also neutralize and counteract bacterial acids in the mouth too. And can also remove plaque which can cause tooth decay and gum disease from the teeth because of its abrasive properties.
Using Baking Soda Safely
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.
Baking soda should also not be used as a replacement for toothpaste since there is no fluoride in it, fluoride helps to protect the teeth from cavities and will also strengthen the teeth’s enamel. Using some fluoride toothpaste with baking soda can keep the teeth healthy. The soda should also not be scrubbed hard on the teeth in order to protect the gums and enamel. You should check with your Coventry dentist first before using baking soda to brush your teeth, especially if you already suffer pre-existing gum issues/problems or sensitive teeth
The Disadvantages And Risks Of Using Baking Soda
There are some risks involved in using baking soda for brushing the teeth. It can damage the enamel which may cause the teeth to become more sensitive than they should be to hot or cold temperatures, and it can also make brushing your teeth by itself painful. Damage to the enamel can also make the teeth more likely to attract cavities.
Baking soda can weaken or soften the glue or adhesive of braces and permanent dental fixtures or fittings, hence it should not be used by those with such fittings. Baking soda can also be misapplied since there is no standard procedure to follow that would ensure its safe use for whitening the teeth. It could also damage the gum and may not appeal to some people because of its taste.
Dealing With Stains That Cannot Be Removed By Baking Soda
Baking soda will generally not work on a wide range of stains. It may not be able to remove some deep or severe stains or may not make the teeth as white as some individuals would want their teeth to be. Those who may want to bleach their teeth white will actually need to use a whitening product to achieve that since baking soda cannot bleach the teeth.
Individuals may therefore opt to use some natural teeth whitening products or treatments instead of soda. Some teeth stains are internal while some are external, and some stains can be treated with whitening products while others cannot be treated by them. You should check with your dentist before using any whitening solutions or kits on your teeth.
The most common whitening methods are professional in-office treatments, professional use-at-home kits and over-the-counter products. The active agent in most whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. The more peroxide that is found in a product the more the product will be likely to whiten the teeth. Whitening products that are used or that can be provided by a dentist will generally contain more peroxide than over-the-counter products, granting a more effective whitening.
Professional in-office whitening treatments are carried out in the dentist office and can be completed within an hour or so. They are however more expensive than other methods. Professional use-at-home kits are mouthpieces and whitening gels that are provided by dentists, they can be used to whiten the teeth while at home, and can provide some faster results too than similar over-the-counter kit options.
Over-the-counter products such as strips, whitening toothpastes, or gum are more affordable than professional in-office treatments and professional at-home kits. With them, there is no need tomake an appointment with your dentist, and there are quite a lot of options and brands to choose from too. You may generally need several treatments or may need to use a product several times before you get your teeth to appear as white as you may want them to be. A whitening treatment or solution may also need to be repeated over time to maintain or keep the teeth white.
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.
As an oral health enthusiast with a deep understanding of dental care, I'd like to provide comprehensive insights into the concepts discussed in the article about brushing teeth with baking soda and alternative teeth-whitening methods.
Baking Soda for Teeth Whitening:
1. Abrasive Nature:
- Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an abrasive compound effective in removing stains caused by coffee, tea, and smoking, as well as surface debris on teeth.
- Its abrasiveness contributes to the appearance of whiter and brighter teeth.
2. Application Methods:
- Baking soda can be used alone with water or combined with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects.
- It is found in some commercial teeth whitening products and toothpaste formulations.
3. Caution with Lemon Juice and Strawberries:
- While some suggest using lemon juice or strawberries with baking soda, caution is advised.
- Lemon juice's acidity can erode tooth enamel and cause gum inflammation.
- Strawberries contain ascorbic acid, which, when combined with baking soda, may be harmful due to their acidic nature.
4. Cost-Effective and Antibacterial Properties:
- Baking soda serves as a cost-effective alternative to expensive whitening treatments.
- It can neutralize bacterial acids in the mouth and remove plaque due to its abrasive properties.
Safe Usage of Baking Soda:
1. Frequency and Duration:
- To protect tooth enamel, it is recommended to use baking soda no more than once a week, for a maximum of two minutes per session.
2. Not a Toothpaste Replacement:
- Baking soda should not replace toothpaste, as it lacks fluoride, which helps prevent cavities and strengthens tooth enamel.
- Combining fluoride toothpaste with baking soda ensures comprehensive oral care.
3. Consultation with a Dentist:
- Before using baking soda, especially for individuals with pre-existing gum issues or sensitive teeth, consulting a dentist, such as a Coventry dentist, is advisable.
Disadvantages and Risks of Baking Soda:
1. Enamel Damage and Sensitivity:
- Overuse of baking soda can damage tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Enamel damage makes teeth more susceptible to cavities.
2. Incompatibility with Dental Fixtures:
- Baking soda can weaken or soften the adhesive of braces and permanent dental fixtures, making it unsuitable for individuals with such dental appliances.
3. Taste and Misapplication:
- The taste of baking soda may not appeal to everyone.
- Lack of a standardized procedure for safe whitening with baking soda may lead to misapplication.
Alternatives to Baking Soda:
1. Professional Whitening Methods:
- In-office treatments, carried out by dentists, are effective but more expensive.
- Professional use-at-home kits, provided by dentists, offer faster results than over-the-counter options.
2. Over-the-Counter Products:
- Strips, whitening toothpaste, and gum are more affordable options.
- Multiple treatments may be required for desired results, and maintenance is necessary over time.
3. Active Agent:
- Hydrogen peroxide is a common active agent in whitening products, and higher concentrations often result in more effective whitening.
Conclusion:
Brushing teeth with baking soda can be an economical means of removing stains, but individuals should be aware of its limitations and potential risks. Considering professional treatments and over-the-counter products with fluoride can provide more effective and safer alternatives for achieving and maintaining white teeth. Always consult with a dentist for personalized advice based on individual oral health needs.
