How long does it take to whiten teeth with baking soda

The internet is home to countless home remedies, do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions, and teeth whitening products. Is baking soda bad for your teeth? Does it actually whiten them? We’re here to tell you what the pros have to say about the effectiveness and safety of using baking soda to whiten your teeth.

Baking Soda and Teeth Whitening

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a type of salt readily available in most homes. On its own, it usually looks like a small crystal (similar to table salt) or a fine powder. One practical use of baking soda in dental products is as a toothpaste ingredient.

You can generally whiten your teeth in two ways: by bleaching the teeth with peroxides or using an abrasive to remove stains. Baking soda is an abrasive that can help remove stains when rubbed against your teeth's hard outer layer known as the enamel.

Considering using toothpaste with baking soda? Luckily, toothpaste containing baking soda is effective and safe for whitening teeth, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association. Even better, baking soda is less abrasive than many alternatives and similar in hardness to your teeth’s dentin. Together, these factors make it a safe option for daily use in your oral care routine.

Because baking soda removes discoloration from the surface of your teeth, it won’t remove deeper stains. According to the Mayo Clinic, toothpaste containing baking soda can help coffee and smoking stains, and it could take between two to six weeks for you to notice a difference.

If a toothpaste containing baking soda doesn’t whiten your teeth as much as you’d like, consider scheduling an appointment with a dentist or dental hygienist. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, professional whitening treatments can work as well as weeks of at-home options, so they might be a great choice for your smile.

Helpful tip: Baking soda is not the same as baking powder. Unlike baking soda, baking powder also contains acid and cornstarch used as an ingredient in baking. You won’t find any toothpaste with baking powder!

Homemade Remedies

When it comes to whitening your teeth, it’s important to remember that there are no magic solutions, and you should consider your safety first.

Tooth whitening remedies involving baking soda mixed with less well-studied ingredients have been popularized online due to their low cost, wide availability of ingredients, and simplicity of use. Sadly, popular doesn’t mean safe and effective, so it’s best to stick with products formulated by the pros.

It's a good idea to avoid whitening tips shared via amateur blogs and remember that do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions can be dangerous. It can be hard to measure ingredients on your own, and you may irritate your tooth’s pulp when using whitening remedies.

We recommend consulting your dental professional before using any whitening remedies or products.

Other Oral Care Tips

Baking soda can help out with whitening your teeth but isn’t sufficient on its own to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Using toothpaste with baking soda shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for any part of your dental routine but as a complement to it.

The good news is a proper oral care routine is a big step towards keeping your mouth healthy and your teeth pearly white.

Important tips for your oral care:

• Use toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride, or drink fluoridated water (like most tap water) to help protect your teeth. Many kinds of toothpaste contain both baking soda and fluoride!
• Brush your teeth for two minutes two times a day, and be sure to use gentle strokes so as to not damage your teeth or gums.
• Floss once a day to remove food matter and plaque from the area between your teeth.
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet that’s not too high in sugary or acidic items.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products.

Baking soda has been proven to be a smart choice to whiten your teeth but isn’t a fix-all for your dental health. Be sure to practice a full oral care routine and consult with your dental professional if you’re considering using whitening products. You’re now set up for success with knowledge on the use and safety of baking soda to whiten teeth.

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A Home Remedy for Teeth Whitening

If you enjoy coffee, tea, or red wine, you know that these tasty drinks can stain your teeth. Many people find that a brighter smile is a big boost to their confidence and want to know how to whiten their teeth.

To help whiten your teeth, you just need baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda an ingredient you probably already have in your kitchen or refrigerator. Baking soda makes an easy and effective DIY home remedy for teeth whitening. Studies published in The Journal of the American Dental Association showed that baking soda is an effective stain remover and whitening ingredient for oral care.

Grab your trusted orange box of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda and take it to the bathroom for some teeth whitening magic.

How Does Baking Soda Whiten Your Teeth?

Baking soda is good for teeth whitening because it is a very mild abrasive, which helps remove stains from the surface of your teeth. In addition, baking soda is alkaline and salty, which helps lighten acid-based food stains – such as those from coffee, tea, and red wine – on teeth.

Our Favorite DIY Recipe for Teeth Whitening with Baking Soda

The easiest method to help whiten your teeth with baking soda is simply to mix about a tablespoon of baking soda with about a tablespoon of water in a small bowl (roughly equal parts baking soda and water). You’ll make a thick paste that you can apply to your teeth with your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush.

For best results, brush for about two minutes using circular motions and be sure to coat all of your teeth with the paste. Gently brush all around your mouth, hitting each tooth. Do not scrub too hard or use too much force.

After two minutes, spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash. Rinse your toothbrush as well.

For more intense whitening, substitute over-the-counter topical hydrogen peroxide for the water in your DIY baking soda teeth whitening recipe. The solution will bubble and fizz some as the two ingredients combine. If you’re using the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide method, keep the paste on your teeth for one minute before rinsing. Be careful not to swallow the paste and check with your dental care professional to make sure this DIY treatment is suitable for you.

Baking Soda Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening

If you want to get the benefits of teeth whitening with baking soda but you prefer the ease and taste of a toothpaste, ARM & HAMMER™ offers several kinds of products for different oral care needs. Try our Advance White toothpaste with baking soda for whitening as well as fluoride and tartar control. There are also baking soda whitening toothpastes for sensitive teeth and gums, and breath freshening 

Whitening with Baking Soda and Toothpaste

If you already have a favorite toothpaste or oral hygiene routine, you can add a weekly whitening treatment with baking soda to help keep your smile bright. Always rinse your mouth thoroughly after whitening with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. If you have questions about whether teeth whitening is right for you, ask your dentist.

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