For decades, parents have used baking soda as a toothpaste alternative. It is found in most toothpaste brands and has natural whitening properties. Baking soda also can prevent bacteria from growing by creating an alkaline environment. This means it both protects and whitens. It is important to remember that brushing with only baking soda is not an overnight process. So, is it safe to say that there is a connection between baking soda and teeth whitening? There is a connection between the two and we discuss it in this piece.
The Powers of Baking Soda
Baking soda and its effects on teeth have been studied for over a century. Most toothpaste companies did not begin putting baking soda in their products until the 1970s. Even then, it was a limited number of manufacturers who did until the late 1980s. However, the benefits of using baking soda on your teeth were first discovered in the early 1900s. They discovered how well it works when combatting teeth discoloration, bacteria growth, and plaque removal. If you are looking for an alternative to professional teeth whitening, baking soda could save you some time and money.
Teeth Whitening
Studies have shown that toothpaste that contains baking soda had significantly better whitening results when compared to a toothpaste without baking soda. Scientists have also discovered that toothpaste with baking soda was significantly better at removing plaque from teeth than those without baking soda. This means that it works great for removing stains on teeth.
Plaque Removal
Dentists have found that baking soda is great at removing plaque buildup from your teeth. The mild abrasiveness helps get rid of plaque from your teeth while not damaging your gums or your teeth.
Bacteria
Baking soda contains enough antibacterial properties to be effective against harmful oral bacteria. This means that using products with baking soda can help fight against periodontal disease with great effect. Studies have shown that patients who use products containing baking soda saw improvements to their periodontal health.
Products containing baking soda have been proven to be more beneficial to both the cosmetic and preventative health of teeth. While using a mixture of baking soda and water on teeth could get the job done, it cannot protect your teeth as most toothpastes do. Baking soda alone does not contain fluoride. This means your teeth can still be vulnerable to decay.
Ways to Involve Baking Soda into Your Daily Routine
There are a number of ways that you can bring baking soda and teeth whitening routines into your daily ritual. One of the simplest ways to incorporate baking soda is to leave a small glass of baking soda by your sink. When you go to brush, just wet your toothbrush and dip it in the baking soda then brush how you normally would. Not surprisingly, baking soda does not have a pleasant taste. For efficient dental protection and tolerable taste, it would be smart to invest in a toothpaste that contains baking soda.
Learn More About Baking Soda and Teeth Whitening
There are plenty of Americans looking to improve the color of their teeth while also protecting them. Luckily, products with baking soda can perform both of those jobs. At Marcus Black DDS, we encourage healthy oral hygiene habits. It should be as important as taking a shower. We can help make sure your teeth are taken care of at all times. We offer a number of services to help protect your smile. Some of these include:
If you are ready to take the steps to a brighter healthier smile, call 479.464.0900 to speak to a dental professional.
