Is baking soda an effective way to whiten your teeth? What are other alternatives
Although baking soda can't prevent cavities, it can still be used as a cleaning agent.
Baking soda is a fine, white powder that can be used in many household chores. It can also be used as alevelling agent and to make bread rise. Another big use of baking soda is readily used as a teeth whitening agent. However, is it as safe as regular toothpaste?
This article explains how to safely use it and what it can do to remove plaque.
Can baking soda used as a toothpaste
Although baking soda can't prevent cavities, it can still be used as a cleaning agent. According to some studies, it can help protect one's teeth from decay. Also, baking soda can help keep one's mouth cavity-free by acting as an antibacterial agent.
How baking soda whitens teeth
Baking soda can also be used as a teeth whitening agent due to its mild abrasive nature. It can help remove stains from the surface of one's teeth, especially those caused by acidic food products such as red wine and coffee.
How to use baking soda for dental hygiene
To whiten one's teeth using baking soda, mix a small amount of the substance with a couple of drops of water in a small bowl. You can then apply the paste to one's teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush or fingers.
For best results, submerge your teeth in the paste for around two minutes. When done, brush all of them around the mouth using circular motions. You should also avoid using too much force or scrubbing too hard. After two minutes, rinse your mouth thoroughly and spit out the baking soda.
For more intense results, try using hydrogen peroxide instead of over-the-counter products. The solution will instantly bubble and will cause your teeth to look white. If you're using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together, keep the mixture on your teeth for around a minute before you rinse. Be careful not to swallow the baking soda, as it could cause your mouth to swell.
What else works as teeth whitening agent
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten your teeth by oxidizing brown and yellow stains. The strongest hydrogen peroxide products are usually used by dentists. These chemicals must be used to protect the mouth and tongue from the effects of hydrogen peroxide.Although over-the-counter products can be helpful, they may not work as well as professional equipment.
There's also evidence that certain natural products, such as coconut oil, activated charcoal, and lemon peel, can help whiten teeth. However, it's important to talk to your dentist about these products as they could potentially harm your teeth.
