Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda

What is Baking soda?

Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate, having numerous applications in various fields. One can easily recognize baking soda, as being the fine white powder with a salty or alkaline taste. Baking soda is often used as a food additive but this is not its only use. The history of baking soda goes as far as ancient Egypt – similar substances were used back then for the painting of hieroglyphics. In more recent times, baking soda was produced for the first time around 1846, by two bakers from New York. Baking soda was made from sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide, as it is made today as well.

Given its high availability, baking soda has started to be used in numerous fields, with the most diverse purposes. Nowadays, baking soda can be used to remove different types of paint, to disinfect certain surfaces, to eliminate fungus from various places and even to extinguish small fires. One of its most important uses is in the kitchen, the baking soda being often preferred as a leavening agent. In the medical field, baking soda has been known to act as a powerful antacid when mixed with water, eliminating the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. Doctors have also used baking soda in patients with acidosis or those suffering from hypokalemia. Last, but not least, baking soda has been extensively used for personal hygiene purposes – mainly for brushing teeth.

Is it safe to brush your teeth with baking soda?

Yes, it is safe to brush your teeth with baking soda and you will actually be pleasantly impressed with the way your teeth will look after a short period of time. However, there are some precautions that you need to take, as you will have the opportunity to discover in the last paragraph of the article. For example, it is for the best to dissolve the baking soda in water rather than use it as such, as it can be too abrasive.

Benefits

Baking soda has a wide array of positive effects when it comes to dental health. Let’s start with the fact that, by brushing your teeth with baking soda, you will have a brighter smile. Baking soda is well known for its whitening effect, so you can use it with confidence for such purposes. Another great benefit of brushing your teeth with baking soda is related to the removal of plaque. Everyone knows that particles from food tend to build up on the tooth enamel as plaque, ultimately leading tooth decay and cavities. By brushing your teeth regularly with baking soda, you will effectively remove the plaque build up from your teeth. This goes hand in hand with the bright smile – once the plaque is removed from your teeth, you will see that they look whiter. This is because the plaque often leads to a yellowish discoloration of the teeth.

So, brushing your teeth with baking soda will keep you free from cavities and, thanks to its abrasive properties, it will prevent plaque from building up on the teeth, destroying the enamel. You can think of baking soda as a powerful cleanser, with beneficial effects for both the teeth and the gums. In fact, studies have shown that the frequent use of baking soda can improve the pH of the mouth, as it neutralizes the acid production. It also has antiseptic properties, so by using it on a regular basis, you will protect yourself against different infections.

If your teeth have been stained by the different foods or beverages that you eat or drink (tea, coffee and wine are especially responsible for such problems), you can consider baking soda as an efficient solution. Apart from the fact that you will notice an overall improvement in your dental health, you will sleep peacefully at night, knowing that you are protected against periodontal disease.

How to brush your teeth with baking soda?

If you have decided to brush your teeth with baking soda, you should know there are several combinations available. Each one is presented in detail in the paragraphs below – in order to determine which one works the best for your own teeth, be sure to give them all a try.
Baking soda and Toothpaste

• You can mix the baking soda with toothpaste or sprinkle some baking soda over the toothpaste you have put on your toothbrush
• Baking soda – whitening effect
• Toothpaste – contains fluoride – strengthens and protects the teeth against different dental problems

Baking soda and Strawberries

• Recommended – mix one strawberry with ½ tablespoon of baking soda
• Perfect alternative to teeth whitening methods (especially if you have sensitive teeth)
• Whitening effect
• Brush your teeth with the mixture, leave it on for no more than five minutes and then rinse thoroughly

Baking soda with Vinegar

• You can mix baking soda with apple cider vinegar
• Adding water is a good idea, as it can reduce the intensity of the abrasion
• A thorough rinse is required after the brushing your teeth with the mixture

Baking soda with Hydrogen peroxide

• Hydrogen peroxide – antiseptic properties – recommended for oral hygiene
• Mix two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with three teaspoons of baking soda
• Brush your teeth with the mixture – leave it on for about two minutes
• Brush your teeth once more with your regular toothpaste and rinse

Baking soda and water

• Mix the baking soda with the water in equal parts
• The water has the purpose of reducing the abrasiveness of the baking soda
• You can brush your teeth with the mixture or use it as a mouthwash

Baking soda with salt

• Most recommended – sea salt mixed with baking soda
• Excellent plaque removal
• The salt will stimulate the production of saliva, which has antibacterial properties (thus protecting your teeth against bacterial infections)

Baking soda mixed with lemon juice

• The mixture has teeth whitening properties
• Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with the juice coming from half a lemon
• Use a cotton ball in order to apply the resulting mixture to your teeth
• Maintain the solution on your teeth for approximately one minute
• Brush your teeth with toothpaste and rinse

Baking soda and coconut oil

• You can make a homemade toothpaste by mixing baking soda (2 tablespoons) and coconut oil (2 tablespoons)
• Advantages of coconut oil – antibacterial and antifungal
• Brush your teeth with the resulting solution
• Brush a second time with toothpaste and rinse

Baking soda and peppermint oil

• Natural toothpaste with teeth whitening properties
• Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with several drops of peppermint oil
• Dip the toothbrush into the mixture and apply it to the teeth
• Maintain it for a couple of minutes and then rinse thoroughly

Baking soda and turmeric

• Turmeric – whitening properties, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic properties
• The mixture is especially recommended for those who have sensitive teeth
• Mix the turmeric powder with baking soda and use a toothbrush to apply the mixture to the teeth
• A thorough rinse is mandatory after the application.

Does brushing with baking soda whiten teeth?

Brushing your teeth with baking soda will definitely whiten your teeth, eliminating the accumulated plaque from the teeth and any other discoloration. The results are going to be more visible after several repetitions however.

Precautions

If you have decided to brush your teeth with baking soda, there are a few precautions that you need to take into consideration. These are:

• Do not brush your gums, as it can cause bleeding or even a burning sensation
• If you are suffering from periodontal disease, it might be for the best to talk to your dentist before using baking soda for brushing your teeth
• Always mix the baking soda with water (or other suggestions presented above), as the increased abrasiveness of the baking soda can attack the healthy enamel of the teeth
• If you wear a permanent retainer, it is not recommended to brush your teeth with baking soda – the abrasiveness of the sodium bicarbonate can affect the integrity of the device (especially of the glue that is used to keep it in place)
• This method is not recommended to be used on a long term basis, as it can affect the teeth enamel and cause the teeth to become excessively sensitive.

In conclusion, brushing your teeth with baking soda is possible, providing the desired whitening effect. You have different possibilities when it comes to using baking soda, as you have seen above. Make sure that you remember the precautions that were mentioned here in this article, as you might end up doing your teeth more harm than good. Other from that, baking soda remains an excellent alternative to other teeth whitening methods, having no side effects or complications to worry about.