Is It Harmful to Brush Teeth with Baking Soda

The Risks and Benefits of Using Baking Soda on Teeth

With its reputation as a gentle abrasive and natural cleaner, baking soda seems like an ideal ingredient for whitening and brightening teeth. But some dental experts argue that the risks of frequently brushing with baking soda may outweigh any benefits. Is it harmful to brush teeth with baking soda?Keep reading to understand the debate around this home remedy for teeth.

Why Baking Soda May Be Beneficial

Proponents point out that baking soda offers a few advantages for oral health:

•  Physical cleaning – The gritty, grainy texture can help scrub away staining from coffee, tea, wine and smoking. The mild abrasion removes discoloration from the tooth surface.
•  Stain dissolution – Baking soda is alkaline with a pH around 9. This higher pH helps dissolve acid-based stains and plaque residue clinging to teeth.
•  Tooth deodorizing – The alkaline pH neutralizes odors and may have antimicrobial effects to freshen breath when brushed on teeth and gums.
•  Sensitive teeth soothing – Some report baking soda concentrations under 10% soothe sensitive teeth, possibly by raising mouth pH.
•  Lower cost – Plain baking soda is significantly cheaper than specialized bleaching toothpastes. This makes it accessible.

Evidence for these benefits ranges from anecdotal consumer experiences to select clinical studies. But experts caution that risks still exist.

Concerns About Damaging Effects

Is it harmful to brush teeth with baking soda?Despite some benefits, many dentists advise exercising caution with baking soda toothpaste due to potential downsides:

•  No fluoride – Dental products with baking soda often lack fluoride. Fluoride is essential for protecting enamel and preventing cavities.
•  Enamel erosion – Overzealous brushing or using too much baking soda may gradually wear away protective tooth enamel over time.
•  Dentin sensitivity – If enamel erodes, the softer dentin underneath is exposed causing tooth sensitivity and discomfort with hot and cold foods.
•  Gum irritation – The grittiness can inflame gum tissue, causing bleeding and recession with overuse. The high pH may also burn gums.
•  Disrupted oral microbiome – Frequently fluctuating mouth pH levels through baking soda use may negatively alter the balance of healthy oral bacteria.
•  Bad taste – Some dislike the salty, bitter flavor of baking soda, making oral hygiene adherence difficult, especially in kids.

These potential harms may outweigh any cosmetic brightening effects baking soda offers according to dental organizations.

Safety Precautions for Occasional Baking Soda Brushing

Current ADA recommendations are to limit baking soda toothpaste to just supplemental or periodic use to be safe. If trying it, experts advise:

•  Just 1-2 times per week – Use minimally to avoid excessive enamel wear. Limit baking soda brushing to once or twice a week only.
•  Soft bristles – A soft brush applies less abrasive force than firm or medium bristles.
•  Light pressure – Gently massage baking soda into teeth rather than vigorous scrubbing to minimize enamel abrasion.- Tiny amount – Dip just the tip of the toothbrush bristles into baking soda to control quantity.
•  Thorough rinsing – Rinse very thoroughly after to eliminate all residue that could potentially continue eroding enamel.
•  Fluoride after-brush – Follow baking soda with regular fluoride toothpaste to get that protective fluoride layer.
•  Dental checkups – Monitor for issues like thinning enamel or gum inflammation at regular dental visits.

With careful use under dentist supervision, baking soda may be safe if desired for occasional stain removal.

The Consensus: Fine in Moderation But More Research Needed

While the argument around baking soda toothpaste continues, most dentists maintain it should not wholly replace regular fluoride toothpaste in daily oral hygiene. More research on long-term risks is needed to confirm safety. For now, reserve baking soda for the occasional supplementary brushing for adults. But pick fluoride toothpaste as your everyday choice to protect precious tooth enamel and gum health. Work with your dentist to determine if judicious baking soda use is appropriate for your individual oral condition.