The Effective Way to Whiten Teeth with Baking Soda
Who doesn’t love a beautiful smile with pretty, white teeth?! Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an effective way to combate surface stains on your teeth. White teeth just make us feel better about how we look. But, I find our regular toothpaste doesn’t always get rid of red wine, tea, or coffee stains.
A bright smile can make you feel better about yourself. The color of your teeth matter.
So, how do you whiten your teeth with baking soda? Mix a small amount of baking soda, approximately a tsp, with equal parts water. Mix until it forms a paste. Add water as needed if you find the paste is too thick. Apply the baking soda mixture with a soft bristled toothbrush to spread it over the surface of the teeth. Leave on for 2 minutes, then rinse.
Get more ideas for cleaning here.
While the best way to achieve whiter teeth is likely to get professional teeth whitening, I looked into this at a recent dentist visit and professional whitening can be very pricey! So, home remedies for tooth discoloration may be a good idea for a whiter smile if your tooth stains are minor.
Consult a professional to determine the best plan for your specific needs.
The good news is that there are simple ways beyond your standard toothpastes to brighten your smile!
How Baking Soda Works to Whiten Teeth
Baking soda has abrasive properties that can help remove stains from the surface of your teeth.
The gritty nature of baking soda removes small debris while also removing stains, making it a good natural teeth whitener.
How Much Baking Soda Do You Use?
Typically a 1:1 ratio of baking soda to water is appropriate for a good consistency paste. 1 tsp of each will likely be sufficient for covering the surface area of your front teeth. But, you can always add more if more paste is needed.
As a general rule the 1:1 baking soda to water ratio will do the trick for making a paste at a good consistency. It’s not an exact science, so make a paste that is easy for you to work with.
Related: How to Clean Clear Retainers (7 Tips)
How Safe is Baking Soda?
While baking soda is a mild abrasive, the Journal of the American Dental Association states it is a safe ingredient for toothpaste. For best results apply the baking soda paste with a soft bristle brush or your finger.
My research revealed that daily use of baking soda is acceptable for a natural tooth whitener.
However, due to its abrasive nature you might experience gum irritation or sensitive teeth with excessive use, in which case you will want to take a break.
Tooth sensitivity can be a real issue when attempting to whiten teeth. Mine are pretty sensitive after several brushings with baking soda but I also notice a LOT more sensitivity after using white strips.
How Long and How Often Should You Clean Your Teeth with Baking Soda?
Apply the baking soda for two minutes then rinse. If left on longer, it could possibly damage the enamel of your teeth.
This process can be repeated daily as needed for your DIY at home teeth whitening.
How Can Baking Soda Whiten Teeth Faster?
Baking soda is not going to be your fastest teeth whitening solution. A more effective method would be to have your teeth whitened professionally at your dentist’s office.
In my experience at home teeth whitening strips start to show a nice difference within 4-5 days. You will likely also start to notice baking soda working within this time frame, but the effects will most likely not be as dramatic as white strips.
What Is The Best Whitening Toothpaste?
If you are looking for a toothpaste that promotes good oral hygiene while also giving you the benefit of whiter teeth, be sure to select one that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Fluoride toothpaste with teeth whitener properties recommended by the American Dental Association include the following:
Toothpaste With Baking Soda
There are several different kinds of toothpaste that contain baking soda that can be purchased at your local grocery store.
Many of the toothpastes with baking soda also contain part hydrogen peroxide. Here are a list of toothpastes that contain the popular ingredient, baking soda:
Colgate Peroxide and Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer Advanced White Extreme Whitening
What is the best way to whiten your teeth?
Consult with your dentist regarding the best way to remove minor stains while also ensuring the health of your teeth is protected.
Everyone’s situation is different and you want to ensure you are doing what is best for you. As with anything related to your health, start with a professional.
In this case, they can take into account any dental issues you may have to help you make the best decision for you. After all, good oral health is the most important thing to consider, not just whiter teeth.
FAQ
Does baking soda really help whiten teeth?
Yes, baking soda has been shown to have whitening properties that will help whiten your teeth. You will note that many toothpastes can be found containing baking soda to teeth whitening.
How do you whiten teeth with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?
Use 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (or 1:2 baking soda to hydrogen peroxide) to form a hydrogen peroxide paste for brushing.
This is a good option for teeth whitening as the baking soda acts as an abrasive agent to remove stains (baking soda is actually a type of salt) while hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can bleach the teeth for improved results.
Should your teeth or gums become sensitive with this process, discontinue use and/or consult with your dentist to ensure this is safe for your particular oral health. Diluted hydrogen peroxide may be effective in reducing overall sensitivity.
How long will it take to whiten teeth with baking soda?
As a general rule, it will take several weeks of brushing regularly with baking soda to notice any whitening of your teeth.
So be patient and don’t expect overnight results. Know there are options to expensive whitening treatments, but patience is key.
