Brushing your teeth with baking soda can help remove plaque and whiten your teeth, but it also has some drawbacks, such as the lack of fluoride.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile white powder with many uses beyond baking. While it’s mainly known as a leavening agent, it’s commonly used for cleaning and whitening teeth.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using baking soda for oral hygiene:
Advantages
- Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis: Baking soda helps break up dental biofilms—bacteria colonies that can cause gingivitis and cavities—lowering bacteria levels and protecting your gums and teeth.
- May Reduce Bacteria: Harmful bacteria thrive in acidic environments. A 2017 study found that rinsing with a baking soda solution raises mouth pH, reducing acidity and potentially preventing the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
- Whiten Teeth: With natural whitening properties, baking soda effectively removes surface stains. Its mild abrasiveness is why it’s a key ingredient in many commercial toothpastes.
- Fluoride-Free: Baking soda offers a fluoride-free option, which may appeal to those concerned about the potential risks of fluoride, especially in children, although fluoride toxicity cases are rare.
- Inexpensive: Baking soda is a cost-effective solution, priced around 52 cents per ounce and available in most stores.
Disadvantages
- Unpleasant Taste and Texture: Some people find the taste and texture of baking soda unpleasant. The gritty feel can be uncomfortable, like having sand in your mouth. For a more enjoyable experience, consider toothpaste containing baking soda or adding peppermint oil to your paste.
- Limited Whitening Effect: Although baking soda is mildly abrasive, it may not be as effective at removing stains as other whitening products. If it doesn’t deliver the desired results, you might want to try alternatives containing hydrogen peroxide or stronger abrasives.
- Lack of Fluoride: ADA-approved toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps prevent cavities. Since baking soda doesn’t provide fluoride, relying on it alone may leave you vulnerable to tooth decay due to insufficient protection.
