Baking soda can be successfully used to remove stains and discolorations from the surface (enamel) of teeth, thereby given teeth a whiter and brighter appearance. Brushing teeth with baking soda removes stains caused by drinking tea, coffee, and sodas as well as chewing tobacco and smoking. Mixing baking soda and water releases free radicals from the mixture. These free radicals break down the stain molecules on the enamel, which can then be scraped off the teeth by using a toothbrush.

What Is Baking Soda?

Baking soda is the common name for sodium bicarbonate. It is a weak alkaline compound that has a white, crystalline appearance. In fact, baking soda looks similar to washing soda.

Why Use Baking Soda for Teeth Brushing?

There are a variety of reasons that making brushing with baking soda an attractive option. First, brushing with baking soda polishes teeth and gives them a whiter appearance. Brushing with baking soda removes plaque deposits from teeth; plaque deposits contribute to tooth decay. Second, baking soda fights bad breath. Finally, baking soda is reasonably price and it can be used for multiple chores around the home, making it great to have around at all times. In fact, compared to other teeth whiteners, baking soda is the cheapest on the market - one regular sized box can be used for well over 100 brushings.

The Guidelines for Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda

Below are some guidelines for brushing with baking soda. It is important to remember that you should not brush with baking soda more than twice per week because doing so may cause irreparable damage to your teeth's enamel.

a) Baking soda in the powder form

1. Wet the toothbrush with water and then dip the brush into the baking soda. This ensures that the baking soda sticks to the bristles of the toothbrush.
2. Once of all the bristles are completely covered with baking soda, it should have a white paste-like appearance.
3. Brush teeth for 2 minutes.
4. Rinse with water to remove any residual baking soda.

Note: Brushing teeth with baking soda may result in burning and/or tingling sensations. If these sensations become unbearable, you should stop brushing with baking soda immediately and rinse out your mouth with copious amounts of water.

b) Baking soda and vinegar

1. Dissolve baking soda, a pinch of salt, and few drops of white vinegar in water.
2. Dip the toothbrush into the mixture and then use it to brush gently for 2 minutes.
3. Rinse the toothbrush with water and then use it to brush teeth with regular toothpaste.

c) Baking soda with toothpaste

1. Combine baking soda with toothpaste and water to form a paste.
2. Use this paste to brush teeth for 2 minutes.
3. Rinse mouth with water to get rid of the paste.

Note: Alternatively, you can add toothpaste to the toothbrush and then sprinkle baking soda onto the toothpaste.

d) Baking soda with strawberries

Since strawberries are known for their teeth whitening properties, combining them with baking soda is a great idea.

1. Mash one fresh, ripe strawberry into a pulp and combine with baking soda to form a paste.
2. Add the paste to a toothbrush and brush for 2 minutes.
3. Rinse mouth with water to get rid of the paste.

e) Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

1. First dip the toothbrush into hydrogen peroxide, and then into baking soda.
2. Brush teeth for 2 minutes.
3. Rinse mouth with water to get rid of the paste.

Note: Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be combined to make a paste, which can then be used for brushing.

What Are the Disadvantages of Brushing with Baking Soda?

Although brushing teeth with baking soda is a natural way for teeth whitening, there are some negative side effects to brushing with it regularly.

• A major disadvantage of baking soda is that it is slightly abrasive to the teeth's enamel, and if used repeatedly over time, it can weaken the enamel. The erosion of the enamel can make the teeth more sensitive and more vulnerable to dental cavities. This type of damage is irreversible and can worsen over time.
• Another disadvantage is the fact that baking soda doesn't kill bacteria, to prevent cavities you have to brush your teeth with toothpaste after brushing with baking soda.
• Finally, if you have braces or permanent retainers, you should not brush with baking soda, because baking soda can cause them to fall out and leave darker spots due to reactions with the baking soda.

Note: It is important to note that on its own, swallowing baking soda will not have deleterious effects on your health.