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Is Brushing Your Teeth With Baking Soda Safe?

Sep 20, 2018
Is Brushing Your Teeth With Baking Soda Safe?
The rise of the Internet and social media has affected our lives in many ways, some very obvious and dramatic even, others not so much. One of the less dramatic changes is the elevation of common kitchen items like turmeric and ginger into...

The rise of the Internet and social media has affected our lives in many ways, some very obvious and dramatic even, others not so much. One of the less dramatic changes is the elevation of common kitchen items like turmeric and ginger into universal panaceas for all our ills.

Baking soda is another example, going from an item that was usually left forgotten at the back of the kitchen cupboard to an essential ingredient in everything from homemade floor cleaners to deodorants to toothpaste, if you believe everything you read on Facebook, that is.

What is baking soda?

Baking soda, or Sodium Bicarbonate is a naturally occurring chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It grows as a crystal but is used in powder form and has a salty, alkaline taste.

What is baking soda?

So, is it safe to brush your teeth with Sodium Bicarbonate?

Generally speaking, yes. While using baking soda, either alone or combined with other ingredients, will not cure all dental ills and put us dentists out of business as some health sites claim, using it appropriately will have benefits for your oral hygiene. These include;

Whiter teeth- baking soda is a mild abrasive, making it ideal for removing surface stains from the teeth. It won’t be that effective against deeper stains though, for those you’ll still need your dentist.

Fresher breath- Bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by a combination of factors, including an imbalance of acids in the mouth, baking soda helps regulate acid levels and keep your breath fresh.

Prevent gum disease – Gum disease, gingivitis in medical terms, is a result of a buildup of plaque in the mouth. Baking soda’s abrasiveness removes this plaque, keeping your gums healthy.

Heal mouth ulcers and sores- Baking soda is very effective as a mouthwash to help soothe and heal mouth ulcers and sores.

How should I use baking soda in dental hygiene?

Do not brush your teeth with baking soda more than twice a week as you could damage the enamel on your teeth.

Wet your toothbrush, dip it into the baking soda and brush your teeth for two minutes, thoroughly rinse your mouth out and then brush your teeth with regular toothpaste.

Dip your toothbrush in white wine vinegar or strawberry pulp instead of water for an extra teeth whitening effect.

Do not try to replace toothpaste with baking soda, it doesn’t have the same plaque removal and anti-cavity qualities and overuse will damage your teeth.

If the inside of your mouth or your gums sting or feel sore after using baking soda, stop the treatment immediately and consult your dentist.

It’s a good idea to consult your dentist before you start using baking soda on a regular basis (or making any changes to your dental hygiene routine).

And there you have it; baking soda is generally safe, does have benefits for your oral hygiene but don’t expect any miracle cures and don’t throw out your other dental hygiene products or delete your dentist’s number just yet. We hope you found this blog useful and thank you for your time. For more articles like this go check out our website today!