From the Guidelines
Baking soda can help whiten teeth as a mild abrasive, but its effectiveness and safety depend on proper use and caution to avoid damaging tooth enamel. When considering the use of baking soda for teeth whitening, it's essential to understand its mechanism of action and potential risks. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, works by gently scrubbing away surface stains on teeth, thereby helping to whiten them. However, the provided evidence does not directly address the use of baking soda for teeth whitening 1. The study referenced, which focuses on the use of fluoride for preventing and controlling dental caries, emphasizes the importance of frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride for oral health, but it does not discuss baking soda or its effects on tooth whitening 1. Despite the lack of direct evidence from the provided study, baking soda's alkaline nature (pH of 8.3) can help neutralize acids in the mouth that contribute to staining and tooth decay. For safe and effective use, baking soda can be mixed with water to form a paste, which should be used no more than twice a week to avoid potential enamel damage. Commercial toothpastes containing controlled amounts of baking soda are often recommended by dentists as a safer alternative for regular use, especially for individuals with sensitive teeth or gums. Key points to consider when using baking soda for teeth whitening include:
- Using it in moderation (no more than twice a week) to avoid enamel damage
- Mixing it with water to form a paste
- Brushing gently for about 2 minutes
- Considering the use of commercial toothpastes with baking soda for regular oral care
- Being cautious if you have sensitive teeth or gums.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Baking Soda in Whitening Teeth
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has been shown to be effective in removing tooth stains and whitening teeth 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have demonstrated that baking soda-based dentifrices can remove extrinsic stains and improve the whitened appearance of teeth 2, 4, 5.
- The use of baking soda-containing gum has also been found to reduce extrinsic stain and improve the whitened appearance of teeth 4.
Mechanism of Action
- Baking soda works by mechanically removing stains from the tooth surface, and its low abrasivity makes it a safe and effective option for tooth whitening 2, 6.
- The combination of baking soda and peroxide in dentifrices has been shown to be particularly effective in removing extrinsic stains and whitening teeth 3, 5.
Safety and Efficacy Considerations
- Baking soda has been found to be biologically compatible and non-toxic, with a low risk of abrasivity and tooth wear 6.
- Studies have consistently shown that baking soda-based dentifrices are safe and effective for removing extrinsic stains and whitening teeth, with no significant adverse effects reported 2, 3, 4, 5.