baking soda whiten teeth
Picture of Reviewed By:  <a href="/blog/author/sofia-vaqar/" style="color:#5E5EEE">Sofia Vaqar</a>
Reviewed By: Sofia Vaqar

Experienced Dentist at :  LiT Dental

Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?

While baking soda may have some whitening effects, it is important to understand its limitations and potential risks before brushing your teeth with it. The reality is that baking soda only gives you slight effects relative to what professional whitening agents do and misuse of the product may be disastrous to your teeth and gums. We are going to look at what baking soda can possibly achieve, how fast baking soda whitens teeth and why professional dental care can give you the best and safer results to that bright smile that you desire.

Does Baking Soda make teeth white, and how?

Yes, baking soda can result into slight whitening effects, removes stains on the surface of your teeth. But it does not do it in ways that you would expect. Baking soda does not make your teeth a different color, it merely removes the discoloration on the enamel surface created by coffee, tea, wine, and other coloring agents. The soft ravaging feel is used to scrub away these spots as you brush. Also, it has baking soda, which makes your mouth alkaline and therefore may decrease bacteria. When an individual inquires about the whitening of teeth using baking soda, he or she must know that it is not as effective as professional treatments but it only cleans the surface of the teeth but does not deep whiten them.

The action of Baking Soda in removing Surface Stains.

  • Light exfoliative activity removes discoloration of surface.
  • The alkaline pH is useful in reducing the impact of acids that cause staining.
  • A temporary bright appearance is produced by polishing effect.
  • Destruction of plaque aids in the elimination of the film staining entrapment.
  • Salivary reaction with the chemicals could also be more cleaning.

Whitening Toothpaste or treatments are better than baking soda?

Baking soda offers slight whitening effects, although it is far inferior to the effects of commercial whitening strips or professional methods. The question many ask is how fast does baking soda whiten teeth- the answer is slowly, and with not much success. It is possible that you will see a little more white teeth in a few weeks of regular usage, but the results are really insignificant in comparison to those of whitening toothpastes or professional procedures. Baking soda can only help get surface stains off; it has no effect in lightening the natural color of your teeth or treating deep, intrinsic discoloration. Professional tooth treatments are the best bet as far as individuals keen on learning how to whiten the teeth are concerned.

Baking Soda vs. Commercial Whitening Products.

Whitening toothpastes: The commercial whitening toothpastes have both mildly abrasive components that resemble baking soda and chemical components responsible in actively dissolving the stains, which offer improved outcomes with minimal risk to enamel decadence owing to precisely designed compositions.

Professional whitening procedures: Professional dental whitening procedures entail the application of concentrated peroxide-based procedures that infiltrate enamel to lighten the color of the teeth by several shades within a single session- something that cannot be accomplished using baking soda irrespective of the time or frequency of use.

Can you use baking soda on your teeth on a regular basis?

Application of baking soda as teeth whitener is usually safe to most individuals but frequent application on a daily basis is dangerous. Tooth enamel may also be eroded away with regular use of the abrasive nature that assists in the removal of stains. When enamel is eroded, its growth is not replenished and there is a possibility of becoming sensitive and becoming more susceptible to cavities. Flores in Baking soda also does not contain fluoride as it helps to strengthen teeth and prevent decay. In case you insists on trying baking soda as a technique of learning how to whiten teeth at home, then you shouldn’t exceed once or twice a week, and always put on regular fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth on a daily basis.

Will baking soda hurt my teeth or gums when I use it wrongly?

The answer is yes, baking soda is certainly harmful to your teeth and gums when it is used in the wrong way. Overuse, overbrushing, or excessive baking soda will destroy protective enamel, exposing your teeth and making them sensitive. The coarse particles may also have an irritating effect on sensitive gum tissue and lead to inflammation, recession, or bleeding. Other individuals get the error of preparing too strong baking soda pastes or scrubbing intensely bearing in mind that this accelerates whitening–it does not. The knowledge of what baking soda does to teeth to whiten them allows to set certain realistic expectations: it is a slow process with little effect, and thus using it aggressively will only result in further damage with no added benefits.

Indications of Tooth or Gum Sensitivity.

  • Tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet food is increased.
  • Acute pain in taking of some temperatures.
  • Painful inflammation of the gums with erythema or edema.
  • Bluish/purple colored gums after or during brushing.
  • Shifting back of the gums showing more tooth surface.
  • Pain in the teeth when chewing up normal food.
  • Pain in the rough tooth surface.

The Reason Why Professional Whitening Is the right one.

Even though baking soda is a relatively cheap alternative to learning how to whiten teeth, the effect is small, slow-paced, and risky. Professional whitening methods yield much much better results–they can lighten the teeth by several shades in one treatment on the one hand, and on the other hand, they are communally controlled by dental professionals who watch over your safety. The professional procedures involve well developed bleaching agents, which are applied into enamel to alter the very tooth color, rather than superficially clean the teeth. The treatment is tailored to our unique requirements and involves gum and soft tissues safeguards.

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Conclusion

In case you want to know how to make teeth white and safely, the only source of the answer is a professional treatment. In McKinney, TX, LiT Dental, our highly qualified dental team provides professional teeth-whitening services that provide fast results with dramatic results, without the risks that come with the DIY approach, such as baking soda. The licensed dental professionals oversee our evidence-based whitening treatments, and they are not only safe, but effective.

Sofia Vaqar

Experienced Dentist at :  LiT Dental

Dr. Vaqar is a caring and committed dentist with over 10 years of experience in helping individuals feel confident in their smiles. Graduated from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Vaqar has built her career and developed a desire to help patients with dental problems.