Tooth Truth or Mouth Myth: Can Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?

For centuries, baking soda has been somewhat of a miracle product. This pantry staple is found across the country, used for everything from baking muffins to scrubbing down your oven. But can you really use baking soda alongside your tooth-brushing routine?

While some DIYers may claim that teeth whitening with baking soda works, what do our Apple Valley dentists have to say on the subject?

How to Whiten Teeth

First, let’s start with the basics. There are two primary methods for effective teeth whitening:

1. Lift teeth stains. Lighten existing stains that are producing a less-than-ideal appearance using a mild abrasive. (Remember, we don’t have to damage the enamel that protects our teeth).
2. Change teeth color. Use a safe whitening agent to change the color of your teeth.

So, how does baking soda fit into all this?

Teeth Whitening With Baking Soda

As luck would have it, baking soda is a mild abrasive and can remove some teeth staining.

A 2017 study conducted by the Journal of the American Dental Association came to this conclusion:

“The evidence available in the literature indicates that baking soda–based dentifrices are effective and safe for tooth stain removal and consequently whitening.

A number of clinical studies have also shown that baking soda–based dentifrices are more effective in stain removal and whitening than some non–baking soda—containing dentifrices with a higher abrasivity.”

But before you dash to your pantry to try it for yourself, you should know baking soda teeth whitening can only get you so far. That’s because baking soda doesn’t contain a whitening agent. It won’t do any good if you’re looking to change the underlying color of your teeth. For that, you’ll have to turn to other sources.

How to Try Teeth Whitening With Baking Soda

Go for toothpaste that already contains baking soda in addition to a whitening agent. Crest, Colgate, and Arm & Hammer all offer options containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (which is a whitening agent).

You can also sprinkle baking soda on top of your toothpaste before brushing! Once your two minutes are up, rinse thoroughly.

One final idea: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and use a manual toothbrush to work that paste into your teeth. Remember, give your teeth a thorough rinse.

Okay, so What’s the Best Way to Whiten Teeth?

If baking soda isn’t giving you the desired results, don’t give up hope. There are more options to try out!

Of course, there are over-the-counter whitening products. But these products aren’t as effective as in-office bleaching and can wear down enamel over time, leaving teeth even more susceptible to staining!

Teeth whitening is a job best left to the professionals. We administer the proper dosage for the right time for your circumstances, producing optimally white results.

Learn more about Dakota Dental’s teeth whitening services.

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White Your Teeth Professionally at Dakota Dental

This year, treat yourself to whiter teeth. We’ll take care of you (including any stains you accrued during the holidays). Our professionals can even send you home with at-home trays to continue your whitening process on your own time.

Schedule your teeth whitening appointment.

Want more Tooth Truths or Mouth Myths? Read our article to learn if the summer sun can whiten teeth.