Can You Brush Your Teeth with Baking Soda

The Truth About Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda

With its mild abrasiveness and alkalinity, baking soda seems like an ideal natural teeth cleaner. But is baking soda safe and effective for daily brushing?Can you brush your teeth with baking soda? Read on to learn the pros and cons of using this pantry staple on teeth.

How Baking Soda Works on Teeth

Can you brush your teeth with baking soda?Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate has a few properties that explain how it tackles tooth stains and bacteria when brushing:

•  Abrasive texture – The coarse granules provide gentle physical scrubbing to help remove surface stains from coffee, tea, wine and smoking.
•  Alkalinity – Baking soda is alkaline with a pH around 9. This neutralizes acid and helps dissolve residue clinging to teeth.
•  Freshening bubbles – When combined with water, baking soda forms bubbly foam. The fizzing may help dislodge debris.
•  Antimicrobial effects – Research indicates baking soda inhibits oral bacteria growth and adhesion which contributes to cavities and gum disease.

Thanks to this combination of effects, baking soda offers oral hygiene benefits. But experts caution there are some drawbacks as well.

Potential Benefits of Baking Soda for Teeth

Proponents of baking soda toothpaste praise it for:

•  Removing surface stains – The grittiness physically scrubs away stubborn extrinsic stains from foods, drinks and smoking.
•  Neutralizing acid – Its alkalinity counteracts damaging acids from sugar and acidic foods that demineralize enamel and irritate gums.
•  Fighting bad breath – The bubbles and alkalinity help freshen breath by reducing odor-causing bacteria.
•  Whitening teeth – Over time, routine brushing may gradually brighten stained teeth a few shades by abrading off dingy layers.
•  Treating canker sores – Baking soda’s antibacterial effects ease these painful mouth ulcers when used as a rinse.
•  Deodorizing dentures – Soaking dentures in baking soda solution helps reduce odors and clean plaque.
•  Lower cost – Plain baking soda is significantly cheaper than mainstream toothpastes.

Evidence on these benefits ranges from anecdotal to scientifically documented. But experts caution baking soda also has limitations.

Potential Drawbacks of Brushing with Baking Soda

Can you brush your teeth with baking soda?Despite some benefits, dentists point out that baking soda:

•  Doesn’t contain fluoride – Fluoride is crucial for preventing cavities, so brushing without it long-term increases decay risk.
•  May erode enamel over time – The abrasiveness could gradually wear away protective enamel if applied too vigorously.
•  Irritates sensitive teeth and gums – The grittiness and alkaline pH aggravate sensitivity and cause gum inflammation in some.
•  Alters mouth pH too drastically – Frequent use may disrupt the oral microbiome by drastically fluctuating pH levels.
•  Doesn’t remove plaque well – Baking soda only cleans surface stains, it doesn’t effectively remove sticky plaque buildup.
•  Imparts unpleasant taste for some – The salty, bitter taste may be off-putting. Kids tend to dislike the taste.
•  Risk of accidental overconsumption – Consuming more than a small amount of baking soda can be toxic. Care is needed.

These potential issues suggest limitations to baking soda’s oral health benefits.

Tips for Trying Baking Soda as Toothpaste

If you want to test baking soda’s stain-removing effects, experts suggest:

•  Use only 1-2 times weekly – Frequent daily use may be too abrasive, so limit baking soda brushing to a couple times a week.
•  Apply minimally – Dampen brush first before dipping just the tip into baking soda. Don’t coat the entire bristle length.
•  Avoid scrubbing hard – Gently massage paste into teeth and gums without pressing hard to minimize enamel wear.
•  Rinse thoroughly – Rinse very thoroughly as leaving residue may continue eroding enamel after brushing.
•  Follow with fluoride toothpaste – Brush as usual with regular toothpaste afterwards to get that protective fluoride coating.
•  Watch for irritation – Discontinue use if your gums become inflamed or teeth sensitized. Don’t “push through” pain.
•  Visit your dentist – Have your dentist monitor for enamel issues or decay if adopting regular baking soda brushing.

With cautious use under dental supervision, baking soda can be an occasional teeth cleaner.

 Occasional Supplemental Brushing Only

Current dental recommendations are to avoid using baking soda toothpastes as your daily go-to. The risks outweigh the benefits for routine use. Limit baking soda brushing to just a couple times per month. Use fluoride toothpaste the majority of the time instead. Think of baking soda as an adjunct for the occasional staining issue, not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing with traditional toothpaste. Work with your dentist to see if judicious baking soda brushing is appropriate your teeth.

Conclusion

Brushing your teeth with baking soda can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional toothpaste when used in moderation and with proper care. The mild abrasive properties of baking soda help to remove surface stains and plaque, contributing to a brighter and cleaner smile. Additionally, its alkaline nature can help neutralize acids in the mouth, potentially reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

However, it is essential to use baking soda sparingly and with caution to avoid potential enamel damage and gum irritation. Its abrasive nature, if used excessively or with vigorous scrubbing, can wear down the enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and other issues. Therefore, it is recommended to limit baking soda use to a few times a week and to brush gently to minimize any negative effects.

Furthermore, it is advisable to consult with a dentist before incorporating baking soda into your oral care routine, especially if you have existing dental conditions or concerns. Dentists can provide personalized recommendations and advice tailored to individual dental health needs.

Overall, while baking soda can offer some benefits for dental hygiene, it is important to use it mindfully and in conjunction with regular toothpaste. Additionally, maintaining a comprehensive oral care routine, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, is crucial for optimal dental health.

In conclusion, while brushing with baking soda can provide some advantages, it is essential to approach its use with caution and to incorporate it as part of a well-rounded oral care regimen. By being mindful of its potential effects and following best practices, individuals can potentially enjoy a brighter smile and improved oral health while minimizing the risks associated with excessive or improper use of baking soda.