Over time, your teeth can become stained from the foods and drinks you consume, such as coffee, tea and blueberries. Because stained teeth can give you an unhealthy appearance, teeth whitening measures can help. However, teeth whitening can be expensive to perform. Baking soda has emerged as a natural teeth whitening alternative---but it is important to know how to use this product safely.
Significance
Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate, according to Professor's House. This compound is naturally present in mineral springs, but is manufactured for commercial sale. Because it is highly soluble in water and is used as an abrasive material---such as a skin exfoliant--it is also used to remove stains from teeth.
Function
When applied to the teeth, baking soda acts not as a teeth whitener, but as a stain remover, according to Professor's House. When mixed with water to form a paste, baking soda is applied to the teeth and penetrates the tooth's surface enamel. There, baking soda breaks carbon dioxide bonds that bind stain molecules to the teeth. This helps to remove the darkened color of stains, making them appear whiter. For this reason, baking soda is more effective at treating tooth stains that are brown or yellow compared to those that are gray.
Recommended Mixture
To create a tooth stain removal mixture, Health.com recommends combining the whitening power of strawberries and baking soda. Strawberries contain malic acid, another natural tooth whitener. To prepare, crush a strawberry to a pulp. Mix with baking soda until thoroughly blended. Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently apply the mixture to the teeth. Wait five minutes, then brush away with toothpaste and rinse. Repeat once per week.
Expert Insight
Reports of tooth damage caused by at-home whitening methods, including the use of baking soda, have caused some experts to warn against these methods, according to the Telegraph, a London-based newspaper. "Be careful not to use this [baking soda] to often, though as acid could damage the enamel on your teeth," says Dr. Adina Carrel, a dentist in New York City interviewed on Health.com. It's important to restrict baking soda use to once per week, and less if your teeth are sensitive.
Warning
In addition to damaging enamel with frequent use, baking soda also can dissolve orthodontic glue, such as that used to secure braces to the teeth, according to Whiter Teeth Whitening. If you utilize an orthodontic appliance, do not use baking soda for at-home teeth whitening.
