Baking soda is often touted as a natural teeth whitening solution. Some people brush their teeth with baking soda every day in an effort to remove stains and whiten their smiles. But is this safe? And if so, how long can you safely brush with baking soda?
What is baking soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring mineral substance. It has abrasive properties and is slightly alkaline, with a pH around 8. Baking soda is commonly used in baking recipes as a leavening agent. It reacts with acidic ingredients like yogurt, brown sugar, or vinegar to release carbon dioxide bubbles. This helps doughs and batters rise.
In its powdered form, baking soda is known for its many household uses. It can be used as a mild abrasive cleaner, odor neutralizer, antacid, and teeth whitener. The slightly gritty texture of baking soda helps scrub away stains on sinks, countertops, and teeth.
Is brushing with baking soda safe for your teeth?
Used occasionally, baking soda is generally safe for your teeth. However, there are some important cautions to keep in mind.
The abrasive properties of baking soda may wear down your tooth enamel over time if used too aggressively or frequently. Enamel is the outer protective layer of your teeth. Once damaged, it cannot be restored. Brushing too hard with baking soda can also irritate your gums.
Baking soda is high in sodium, which can cause issues for some people if ingested in large amounts. Each teaspoon of baking soda contains about 1,000 mg of sodium. For comparison, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
Always rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing with baking soda, as residual soda could increase your sodium intake. Avoid swallowing the baking soda while brushing.
Precautions when using baking soda on teeth:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid enamel damage
- Apply minimal pressure when brushing
- Limit baking soda brushing to 2-3 times per week at most
- Rinse thoroughly after brushing and do not swallow
- Only use a small amount of baking soda
- Stop if you experience any gum irritation or sensitivity
What’s the recommended frequency?
Most dental organizations suggest limiting baking soda brushing sessions to two or three times per week at most. Any more frequent than this risks damaging your enamel over time.
Brushing with baking soda one or two times per week is sufficient to help remove surface stains and discoloration from coffee, tea, wine, or smoking. Just be sure to use a gentle touch when applying it.
Suggested baking soda brushing frequency:
| Frequency | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Daily | Not recommended |
| 2-3 times per week | Recommended maximum |
| Once a week | A moderate approach |
It’s best to brush with regular toothpaste the rest of the week. Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, balancing out any harshness from the baking soda.
How long should you brush with baking soda?
You only need to brush with baking soda for 1-2 minutes per session. Any longer than this is excessive.
Apply baking soda to your wet toothbrush and brush all surfaces of your teeth for 1-2 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with water.
The baking soda doesn’t need much time to work. It helps remove surface stains quickly through its mildly abrasive polishing action.
Brushing vigorously or for too long with baking soda could actually damage your enamel. Aim for a soft, gentle brushing motion rather than a vigorous scrub.
Recommended brushing time with baking soda:
| Brushing Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 1-2 minutes | Recommended |
| 2-3 minutes | Maximum |
| Over 3 minutes | Not advised |
After brushing, rinse your mouth well with water to remove any leftover baking soda. Spit it out – do not swallow it. You can follow up with regular fluoride toothpaste if desired.
Tips for effective and safe brushing
Here are some tips for using baking soda safely and effectively as a teeth cleaner:
Use sparingly
Use just a pea-sized amount on your toothbrush. Too much baking soda may be harsh on your gums and enamel.
Avoid pressing too hard
Let the baking soda do the work – don’t scrub vigorously. Gentle pressure is best.
Focus on stained areas
Target especially stained spots rather than brushing baking soda all over.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse your mouth well after brushing to remove all baking soda residue.
Follow up with regular toothpaste
Use fluoride toothpaste after brushing with baking soda.
Watch for sensitivity
Discontinue use if your teeth become sensitive.
What about baking soda toothpastes?
Some kinds of toothpaste contain baking soda as an ingredient. These are a more convenient option but still need to be used in moderation.
Look for versions with added fluoride to help strengthen enamel. Use baking soda toothpastes sparingly, just 2-3 times per week at most.
Should you brush with just baking soda?
It’s not recommended to brush exclusively with baking soda, without any normal toothpaste. While baking soda can effectively remove surface stains, it does not contain fluoride.
Fluoride helps prevent cavities by strengthening enamel and protecting teeth from decay. Without it, your teeth become more prone to developing cavities over time.
Balance occasional baking soda brushing sessions with daily use of fluoride toothpaste. This gives you the whitening benefits of baking soda while also protecting tooth enamel.
Other ways to whiten your teeth
While baking soda can help remove surface stains, there are other effective teeth whitening options to consider as well. These include:
Whitening toothpastes
Look for toothpastes containing gentle polishing agents and teeth whitening ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. Use twice daily.
Whitening strips
Whitening strips coated with peroxide can whiten teeth by a couple shades over 1-2 week’s use.
Whitening trays
Custom dental trays allow whitening gel to be applied directly to teeth for dramatic whitening results.
Professional whitening
In-office whitening performed by your dentist provides the highest level of whitening in the shortest time.
Should you brush with baking soda every day?
No, daily brushing with baking soda is not recommended. Used too often, baking soda may gradually damage your tooth enamel over time due to its abrasive texture.
Limit baking soda brushing to 2-3 times per week at most. Balance these occasional whitening sessions with daily brushing using a standard fluoride toothpaste.
Conclusion
Baking soda can be used periodically to help remove surface stains from teeth and brighten your smile. However, it should not be overused due to its abrasive properties. Brush gently for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times per week at most when using baking soda.
Daily use of fluoride toothpaste is still essential for protecting your teeth from cavities and decay. For maximum teeth whitening results, occasional baking soda brushing can be combined with other whitening options like whitening toothpastes, strips, trays, or in-office treatment.