Buzz
A bright, white smile can be a major confidence booster. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on whitening kits or professional treatments. Brushing or rinsing with baking soda can help brighten your smile, but be sure to use caution. To prevent enamel erosion, only use baking soda sparingly and avoid brushing too hard. Additionally, discolored teeth might be a sign of underlying oral health issues, so consider visiting a dentist if it’s been a while since your last check-up.
Steps
Brush with a Baking Soda Mixture
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water. In a small bowl, combine ¼ to ½ teaspoon (1.5 – 3g) of baking soda with just enough water to form a paste. A mixture of two parts baking soda and one part water is easier to use and more effective than using baking soda alone.
- Avoid mixing the baking soda with lemon, strawberries, or any fruit juice. Fruit juices are acidic and can wear down enamel, especially when combined with baking soda or other abrasive substances.
Brush your teeth with a baking soda mixture for 1-2 minutes. Dip a soft toothbrush into the baking soda mixture and gently brush your teeth in a circular motion. Brush the entire surface of your teeth instead of focusing on just one area for the full 2 minutes. Remember not to brush too hard to avoid discomfort.
- You can also use your fingertips to gently rub the baking soda mixture on your teeth in circular motions, without applying too much pressure.
- If your gums have receded, avoid brushing the baking soda mixture directly onto your gums or around the gum line. The softer tooth enamel below the gumline can be easily damaged.
Rinse after brushing your teeth. After brushing for 2 minutes, spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Be sure to thoroughly clean your toothbrush.
- Note that you should not rinse your mouth after brushing with fluoride toothpaste to avoid diminishing the fluoride’s effectiveness. For this reason, do not brush or rinse with baking soda immediately after using regular toothpaste. If you really need to rinse after brushing with fluoride toothpaste, use as little water as possible.
Repeat every other day for up to 2 weeks. At most, you can brush your teeth with baking soda every other day for 1-2 weeks, then reduce to 1-2 times a week. Since baking soda is abrasive, using it too often can damage your teeth.
- Note that brushing with baking soda cannot replace brushing with regular toothpaste. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly are the best ways to maintain oral health.
- Before using baking soda for brushing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist to ensure your teeth are strong enough for this method. Your teeth may be sensitive to abrasion, and baking soda could permanently erode your enamel.
Try alternative methods
Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part 1%-3% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can whiten your teeth, but you must be careful when using it. Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part 1%-3% hydrogen peroxide to create a paste. Brush your teeth with the mixture for 1-2 minutes, then rinse your mouth with water.
- Be sure to use hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% or lower. Only brush with the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixture once a week.
- Stop brushing and rinse with cool water if you experience any burning sensation. Do not use this method if you have receding gums or sensitive teeth, as hydrogen peroxide can irritate and damage exposed tooth roots.
Safety Recommendations: It is essential to thoroughly rinse your mouth after using hydrogen peroxide. Even diluted solutions can cause nausea and discomfort in the stomach if swallowed. Moreover, any leftover hydrogen peroxide on your teeth may result in uneven teeth whitening.
Brush your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and fluoride toothpaste. Apply a small amount of regular toothpaste to your toothbrush, then sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on top. Brush your teeth gently in circular motions for about 2 minutes. Spit out the mixture, and if needed, rinse your mouth with some water to remove any white streaks.
- Just like brushing with a baking soda and water mixture, it is important to use the baking soda and toothpaste blend in moderation. You may try this method every other day for the first 1-2 weeks, then limit it to once or twice a week.
- You can also purchase toothpaste that already contains baking soda. If you're in the U.S., look for products with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval and follow the instructions provided.
- If you have sensitive or worn teeth, avoid using toothpaste with baking soda or products labeled as teeth-whitening.
Rinse with a baking soda and water solution. Dissolve 1 teaspoon (6g) of baking soda in 1 cup (240ml) of water and stir until fully dissolved. Take a sip and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat until the entire cup is used.
- The baking soda solution will not damage your teeth, so it is safe to use daily.
- Rinsing with a baking soda solution is an indirect way of whitening your teeth. The baking soda neutralizes acids, helping to prevent tooth erosion caused by food and drinks. It may also help combat cavity-causing bacteria and support beneficial bacteria that form a protective layer on your teeth.
Advice
- Avoid brushing the same spot in your mouth for too long. Distribute the brushing time evenly—1 to 1.5 minutes for the upper teeth and 1 to 1.5 minutes for the lower teeth.
- Avoid brushing your gums with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
- Do not brush with a baking soda and lemon juice mixture or any other acidic substances.
Warning
- If you're considering teeth whitening, visit a dentist. Discoloration and stains on your teeth might indicate dental issues that need professional treatment.
- Avoid brushing with baking soda or abrasive toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth, as this can be a sign of enamel erosion. Using abrasive products will only worsen the condition.
- Do not brush with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide if you're wearing braces or fixed dental appliances.
- To prevent discoloration or damage to your dental treatments, avoid using hydrogen peroxide or home whitening kits if you have dental crowns, bridges, or veneers.
