The abrasive nature of the baking soda can damage the enamel of your teeth by corroding it. This can weaken the enamel, which can make the teeth more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and can also make tooth brushing uncomfortable. Teeth whitening: As a mild abrasive, baking soda can help whiten teeth naturally by removing surface stains caused by smoking, drinking tea and coffee etc. 1. It has a lower hardness than other abrasive materials used to whiten teeth. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Learn more about tooth whitening, at the Colgate's Oral Care resources. You will need to see your dentist or use a product that was specifically created for whitening teeth. To use it safely as a home tooth whitener, having read about the dangers of it, just follow these simple steps: Whitening teeth with baking soda is a tried and tested home remedy for improving the look of your teeth. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Damage to the enamel can also make the teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Additional Benefits of Baking Soda for Teeth For most people, the biggest culprit of enamel erosion is not found in the particular teeth cleaning method chosen, but in the acidic foods they choose to eat. Brushing your teeth with baking soda removes spots caused by consuming tea, coffee, and sodas in addition to chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes. Brushing with baking soda removes plaque deposits from teeth; plaque deposits contribute to tooth decay. Not chemically. These include the following. Brushing with baking soda is a safe and effective way to remove plaque. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. The use of baking soda for brushing your teeth has certain dangers associated, though. Baking soda is a common household product that has many uses around the home, from eliminating smells to cleaning carpets. There are ways to make your teeth whiter; from avoiding staining foods or drinks; to lightening toothpastes; to laser treatments; to home remedies, and it’s up to you to decide which method works best for you. Independent whitening of tooth enamel can cause irreversible effects. One can eat some melon or an apple directly, after a meal, to clean their teeth naturally, prevent tartar or plaque from accumulating on the teeth, maintain healthy gums and prevent gum bleeding. The WebMD however cautions that it may be pretty harsh for people with sensitive gums and teeth. The soda should ideally not be used too frequently since it can damage the enamel as a result of frequent use. Some of them are. Your teeth are cleansed thoroughly, and very effectively. Although the answer to the question “is baking soda bad for your teeth” is no, there are some risks that call for your attention. Use it consciously: Scrubbing your teeth vigorously with baking soda can cause damage to the tooth. It does come with a lot of precautions, however, and if you are going to do it then you must take care. It is very good at removing surface stains, but it can also damage your teeth so if you do decide to use it then you must bear this in. It is advisable to brush your teeth with baking soda not more than a few times in a week. Be assured that using baking soda and lemon juice in combination will most certainly cause lasting damage to your teeth. Using Baking Soda Safely Baking soda will generally need to be used correctly in order to protect the teeth’s enamel from damages. She is a mum of three and lives in London with her family. Pro: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can remove surface stains and yellowing. Getting that smile shouldn't be at the expense of the health of your teeth. Since baking soda is the softer material, it is not considered very abrasive and it will not harm tooth enamel! Second, baking soda fights bad breath. Baking soda works well as a teeth whitener when mixed with water into a paste and brushed on the teeth every other day or once a week. This makes sense if you stop and think about it. Many people also find teeth that are not quite as white as they should be are not as attractive as those pearly whites we all strive for, so there are a lot of advantages to making sure yours are as fresh, clean and shiny as they can possibly be. It is also alkaline, which means that it is extra effective at removing acidic stains such as those from tea, coffee and wine. "Because baking soda is a mildly abrasive substance, it removes surface stains from your teeth," Harris tells Allure. Spit the paste out, then rinse your mouth thoroughly. However, if your goal is to remove deeper, older stains, then baking soda will not be as effective. Dangers of using baking soda to whiten your teeth. Baking soda with intensive use can completely destroy the tooth enamel, as well as cause gum disease. Apply the paste to your teeth, using either your fingers or a soft bristled toothbrush. Baking soda has a slightly salty taste, and not the nicest texture, so if you use it without being aware of this it may be a nasty shock! While baking soda can be effectively used to remove tartar from teeth, some home remedies too are used to prevent tartar. With continual use, you could cause damage to the enamel that coats your teeth. Benefit 2: Baking soda lowers thug bug count . Incapable of Preventing Cavity. © YYYY Colgate-Palmolive Company. Studies suggest that toothpaste that contains baking soda … How can a simple mixture of equal parts baking soda and water whiten teeth? Foods that are acidic such as fruit juices, colas, and wine all weigh heavily on tooth erosion. It should generally only be used about once per a week and for two minutes at a time. Baking soda should be used no more than once a week. If you have decided to go down the home remedies route, you have probably heard of using baking soda to whiten your teeth naturally. Ask the Colgate Chatbot! White, shiny teeth are one of the things that makes people appear younger, and more healthy looking. Although this simple method is effective and is considered relatively safe, you do need to take care if you decide to use it. In fact, exposing teeth to salt or baking soda could erode the tooth's surface enamel over time. When used as a powder for cleaning teeth, baking soda will affect the enamel as an abrasive agent. The teeth do not remain healthy if you use only baking soda to brush your teeth, according to American Dental Association (ADA). Overuse can damage the enamel of the teeth, resulting in sensitivity and increasing the risk for cavities. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Colgate Reaches Children in Need Across the Globe With the Power of a Bright Smile. Baking soda and lemon juice might seem like harmless ingredients, but they can actually damage your teeth and skin when used incorrectly. Significance. If this is something you are interested in trying, we should have a look at the ins and outs – and the baking soda teeth whitening dangers – before you start. Although baking soda is a commonly used product, it is not without risks. This innocuous store cupboard staple is actually a really useful cleaning agent for many different types of cleaning operations – from your oven to your teeth – and it is much cheaper than getting your teeth whitened at the dentist. If you're considering using this method to help whiten your teeth, you need to be aware of possible side effects. Don’t brush too hard or aggressively, to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. Does Baking Soda Damage Tooth Enamel? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is composed of a chemical compound that makes it a great mild abrasive. Because baking soda is an abrasive material, you may be concerned that rinsing with baking soda could damage your teeth. However, on Mohs Hardness of materials scale, tooth enamel is rated a 5 whereas baking soda is rated 2.5. Commonly found in oral care items, baking soda whitens, cleans, and neutralizes acids to fight plaque buildup. Plenty of research shows that baking soda can really help lower the populations of thug bugs in the mouth, so it’s an effective support tool to reduce periodontal pathogens. It does an excellent job at removing surface stains, but you should proceed with caution to prevent damage to your enamel. In addition, baking soda doesn't contain fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and prevent dental cavities, so you will still need to use regular toothpaste. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is seen as one of the most effective ways to whiten one’s teeth among a slew of prescriptions. 1. If formulated properly for taste and stability, a mouthrinse with this active ingredient shows great promise for preventing decay and gingivitis as well as helping to keep teeth strong and bright — an all-around home run for dental health! Also, I can make three months’ supply for three bucks, and you can’t beat that. If you yearn for bright, shiny pearly whites but you cannot afford laser whitening, or you tremble at the thought of the dentist, you may wish to try a few home remedies instead. Keep your mouth healthy: Brushing your teeth with toothpaste that has baking soda can hold off tooth decay and keep your gums and mouth in good shape. 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