Originally developed in 1843, baking soda is a great cleaning agent, deodorizer, and baking ingredient. But can you use it brush or whiten your teeth?

While some people like to mix baking soda with water to create a cheaper alternative to regular toothpaste, this could be doing more damage to your oral health than many realize.

Many toothpaste products endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA) contain baking soda. In fact, most professional dental products contain baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. These products work well together to clean stains on and in between teeth.

However, these products are also very hard on your enamel and gum health. Baking soda is gritty and very abrasive which can weaken the enamel on your teeth very quickly. Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid but can still weaken enamel. Home made remedies also won’t include helpful products like fluoride which can help prevent tooth decay. If you already have sensitive gums or teeth, homemade toothpaste probably isn’t a great option for you.

Additionally, if these homemade remedies are used for more than one or two weeks at a time, the harsh products can cause pain and discomfort due to weakened teeth and gums.

Baking soda toothpaste, while initially effective, is no substitute for competent and professional dentistry. Ignoring this fact could leave you with a weakened or damaged mouth.

Consider other ways of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, such as maintaining regular professional care. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment today.