Is Baking Soda a Good Ingredient for Your Toothpaste to Have?
Posted on 5/29/2020 by Thomas Wold, DMD
You probably have seen toothpaste products that include baking soda. Maybe you have asked yourself if this type of product works and how it can support at-home dental health. If so, read the following information to learn more about using baking soda to brush your teeth and support oral hygiene.
Why Is Baking Soda Added to Toothpaste Products?
While baking soda may be used to bake a cake or remove carpet stains, it may leave you wondering about its effectiveness for safely cleaning teeth. Baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, is used to elevate the dough in baked goods, polish silverware, and get rid of stubborn stains. It is often added to toothpastes for its whitening properties. In addition, the soda balances out acid levels in the mouth, which lead to bad breath. Some people use baking soda, by itself, to treat a mouth sore. Therefore, dental professionals may advocate the use of baking soda toothpastes to freshen the breath, remove plaque, and whiten the teeth.
The Pros and Cons of Using Baking Soda
While baking soda is a mildly abrasive and removes surface staining and yellowing, it can still damage the enamel or gums if used improperly. Vigorous brushing, when using the product, can erode the enamel. Because it neutralizes acids in the mouth, baking soda can also be used to remove bacterial plaque. However, you need more than the soda to prevent tooth decay. While baking soda does break up plaque, it is not enough to use for controlling plaque build-up. If it is added to a toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, you cannot sufficiently strengthen the teeth.
The best way to use sodium bicarbonate is in a fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association or ADA. We also can answer any questions about using baking soda in a dentifrice. Contact us here to schedule an appointment for a professional cleaning, consultation, and exam.
Dentist Bend, OR • Dental Blog • Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend Dr. Thomas E. Wold has created this blog to help educate the community. Like a Post? Please use the "share it" button to post to Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend, LLC - Thomas E. Wold DMD, 124 NW Hawthorne Ave. Bend, OR. 97703; (541) 389-0261; wolddmd.com; 11/29/2023; Tags: dentist Bend OR;
You probably have seen toothpaste products that include baking soda. Maybe you have asked yourself if this type of product works and how it can support at-home dental health. If so, read the following information to learn more about using baking soda to brush your teeth and support