We all want pearly white teeth and are constantly searching for ways to get them. What's worse than looking at a picture of yourself and your teeth look dull and yellow? There are many options available for whitening teeth ranging from at-home remedies to dental office procedures. Baking soda is a common and inexpensive at-home remedy for whitening teeth, but does it really work?
Importance of Healthy Teeth
Taking care of your teeth is very important, not only for looks, but also for your health. Brushing and flossing regularly as well as visiting the dentist routinely will help prevent plaque and gingivitis. Eating healthy also keeps your teeth healthy and strong. When you regularly consume coffee, tea and soda, your teeth become stained. This leads you to search for ways to make your teeth look white again, whether it be an at-home remedy such as baking soda or an in-office dental procedure.
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, also know as sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occuring substance found throughout the world. It was founded as a useful substance in the late 1840s. Baking soda has many uses for cleaning such as deoderizing and neutralizing stains and smells. Manufacturers use baking soda as the main ingredient in cleaning agents and it is also found in a variety of toothpastes to aid in whitening teeth.
Baking Soda and Whiter Teeth
Baking soda does indeed lighten teeth stains as well as clean them. Dissolving baking soda in water and brushing your teeth with the solution will penetrate the tooth's enamel and lighten up those unsightly and unwanted stains, giving your teeth a more whiter appearance. The baking soda method of whitening teeth is all natural, easy to do and inexpensive. Talk to your dentist about using baking soda for teeth whitening and how often you should brush with it.
Different Methods for Whitening Teeth with Baking Soda
Mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide is also helpful in whitening teeth. You can do this by creating a paste with the baking soda, peroxide and water. Apply to the toothbrush, brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly. Another option is to mix the baking soda with a pinch of salt. There are also methods of whitening using baking soda and either lemon juice or ripe strawberries. Simply mix the the baking soda with the lemon juice or crushed strawberries and create a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth and leave on for two to five minutes, rinse thoroughly and brush your teeth with regular toothpaste afterward.
Frequency
It is normal to feel a tingling sensation when using baking soda to whiten teeth. Even though this is a natural method, caution should still be used. Brushing with the baking soda should be done only once every couple of weeks to avoid enamel abrasion. It is not a good idea to use baking soda if you have braces or a permanent retainer because it can damage the orthodontic glue. Using the baking soda as a maintenance method of whitening as well as visiting your dentist regularly will help keep your teeth looking their best.
