A common staple of most kitchens, baking soda is, as the name implies, frequently used in baking. However, the white powdery substance has many other useful properties. One such use is as an occasional substitute for toothpaste. Your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, discusses the advantages of brushing with baking soda.
Whitening Teeth
Baking soda acts as a natural—and cost-effective—way to remove stains from teeth. When combined with water, the substance can penetrate enamel. Once inside, due to its abrasiveness, it can start to scrape off stains from food and drink. Using hydrogen peroxide instead of water makes it whiten even more effectively. Many find that, over time, brushing with baking soda is just as effective—and far cheaper—than commercial teeth whitening kits available in stores.
Removing Plaque
Baking soda is also very effective at removing plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a result of acid emitted by natural mouth bacteria. Since baking soda is a natural alkaline base, it neutralizes the acid, allowing for the breakdown of the plaque. After brushing, the plaque can be easily rinsed away. Since many of those same acids are responsible for halitosis, brushing with baking soda can also freshen the breath. Indeed, many toothpastes and mouthwashes include baking soda as a prime ingredient for that reason.
How to brush
To brush with baking soda, dip your wetted toothbrush into the powder, making sure the entire brush head is coated. Then, brush as normal for two minutes. Just like a regular brushing, be sure to hit every tooth. After the two minutes, spit the baking soda out and rinse your mouth out with water. You might experience a tingling sensation in your mouth afterwards. That is perfectly normal and shows that the soda is working as it is supposed to.
Warnings
After hearing about the marvelous cleaning and whitening power of baking soda, you might be tempted to use it instead of toothpaste. That would be a mistake. One of the reasons baking soda is so effective is because it is abrasive. Your teeth can stand the occasional brushing, but frequent brushing with baking soda would eventually damage the enamel. Therefore, brushing with baking soda is recommended no more than once a week. For all other twice-daily brushings, toothpaste should be used.
See Your Dallas/Richardson Dentist About Your Smile
Concerned about plaque buildup even after a baking soda brush? Has it been more than six months since your last appointment? Contact our Dallas dentist office at (214) 337-7800, or our Richardson dentist office at (972)437-6000. We are proud to serve patients in the 75211 and 75080 zip codes, and surrounding neighborhoods.
