Is Baking Soda Good for Your Teeth?

Baking soda is a white, powdery substance commonly used for baking, cooking, cleaning, and deodorizing. Carbon dioxide gas bubbles are produced when acid is added to this salt. Below, we discuss the abrasive, acid-neutralizing, and antibacterial properties of baking soda relative to your oral health.

Abrasive

Baking soda is a mild abrasive agent. Its fine particles can help remove surface stains from counters, toilets, bathtubs, stainless steel cookware, and more. It is also a common ingredient in toothpaste. Baking soda is safe for teeth when combined with other ingredients in the special formulations of store-bought toothpaste and applied using a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, baking soda on its own shouldn’t be brushed onto teeth. Its abrasiveness may lead to enamel erosion and increased tooth sensitivity.

Acid-Neutralizing

Due to hormonal changes, pregnant mothers commonly experience nausea and may even vomit. The presence of stomach acid in your mouth can erode tooth enamel. Due to its alkaline nature, rinsing and gargling with a mixture of baking soda and water after vomiting can help neutralize the acids in your mouth to protect your tooth enamel and remove the unwelcome taste in your mouth.

Bacterial Control

Baking soda also possesses mild antibacterial properties, which can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria responsible for gum disease and tooth decay. If you don’t want to rinse with mouthwash after brushing your teeth, you could use a mixture of baking soda and water as an alternative. It’s important to note that while baking soda can assist in controlling bacteria in the mouth, it’s not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing and regular dental cleanings and checkups.

Comprehensive Dental Care in Olathe, KS

Many patients desire a whiter and brighter smile. Some turn to DIY dental trends that influencers and bloggers claim can give them whiter teeth. Before trying something you read about online that could be potentially hazardous to your teeth and gums, we encourage you to consult with an experienced dentist, like Ryan Dental, about safer preventive and cosmetic dental treatments. Please contact us to schedule your appointment!

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Categorized in: Oral Health