How to use 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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Having white teeth can be a major confidence boost. Fortunately, you may not need to spend lots of money on whitening kits or professional treatments. Brushing or rinsing with baking soda could help whiten your teeth, but be aware you should use it carefully. To prevent dental erosion, brush with baking soda in moderation and avoid using too much force. Bear in mind discoloration may point to dental issues, so try to see a dentist if you haven't had a checkup in a while.

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   Mix baking soda and water. In a small cup, mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon (1½ to 3g) of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. A paste of about 2 parts of baking soda mixed with 1 part of water is easier to apply and more effective than baking soda alone.[1]

   • Avoid making a paste with baking soda and lemon, strawberry, or any other fruit juice. Fruit juices are acidic and could erode your teeth's enamel, especially when combined with baking soda or other abrasive products.[2]

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   Brush your teeth with the baking soda paste for 1 to 2 minutes. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the paste, and gently scrub your teeth using circular motions. Brush all around instead of scrubbing 1 spot for the entire 2 minutes. Be sure not to brush hard or you might hurt your teeth.[3]

   • Alternatively, use your fingertips to gently rub your teeth with the paste. Rub in soft circles, and don’t use too much force.
   • If you have receding gums, avoid brushing the base of your teeth and around your gum line with baking soda. The substance that covers your teeth below the gums is softer than enamel and prone to damage.[4]

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   Rinse out your mouth when you’re finished brushing. After brushing for 2 minutes, spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Give your toothbrush a thorough rinse as well.

   • Note that you shouldn’t rinse after brushing with fluoride toothpaste, as rinsing reduces fluoride’s beneficial effects. For this reason, don’t brush or rinse with baking soda right after brushing with regular toothpaste. If you need to rinse away visible residue after using regular toothpaste, use as little water as possible.[5]

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   Repeat every other day for up to 2 weeks. At most, brush your teeth with baking soda paste every other day for 1 to 2 weeks. Then cut back to doing it just once or twice a week. Since it’s abrasive, using baking soda more frequently may damage your teeth.[6]

   • Keep in mind that brushing your teeth with baking soda should not replace brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups are the best ways to keep your teeth healthy.
   • Before brushing with baking soda, check with your dentist to see if your teeth are healthy enough for this method. Your teeth may be sensitive to abrasion, and baking soda may cause irreversible dental erosion.

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   Mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide may whiten teeth, but you need to use it with caution. To try this method, mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Brush your teeth with the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse with water.[7]

   • Make sure you use hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% or less. Brush with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda once a week at most.
   • Stop brushing and rinse your mouth with cool water if you feel a burning sensation. Don’t use this method if you have receding or sensitive gums, as hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and damage exposed roots.[8]

   Safety tip: It's important to rinse out your mouth thoroughly after using hydrogen peroxide. Even diluted solutions can cause vomiting and stomach upset if ingested. Additionally, any residue left behind could bleach your teeth and lead to uneven whitening.

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   Brush your teeth with a mix of baking soda and fluoride toothpaste. Squeeze your regular toothpaste onto your toothbrush, then sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on top. Brush your teeth as you normally would for 2 minutes with soft, circular motions. Then spit and, if you need to rinse away white residue, swish your mouth with a little water.[9]

   • As with a baking soda and water paste, brush with baking soda and toothpaste in moderation. Try it every other day for 1 to 2 weeks at first, then brush with baking soda once or twice a week at most.
   • You can also purchase a toothpaste that already contains baking soda. In the United States, look for a product that carries the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance, and use it as directed.[10]
   • If you have sensitive teeth or dental erosion, avoid using toothpaste that contains baking soda or is branded as whitening products.[11]

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   Gargle with a baking soda and water rinse. Combine 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda and 1 cup (240 mL) of water in a glass, then stir the mixture until the baking soda is evenly distributed. Take a sip, gargle for about 30 seconds, then spit out the mixture. Repeat the steps until you’ve finished the entire glass.[12]

   • The baking soda rinse won't erode your teeth, so it's safe to gargle with it daily.
   • Gargling with a baking soda rinse whitens your teeth indirectly. Baking soda neutralizes acids, so it helps fight dental erosion caused by acidic foods and beverages. It can also help fight bacteria that cause decay and promote good bacteria that create a protective layer on your teeth.[13]

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Add New Question

• Question

  What if it doesn't work? Is there any other alternative?

  

  Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

  

  Doctor of Dental Surgery

  Expert Answer

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  If it doesn’t work at all (which is less likely), you will need a professional whitening treatment performed in a dental office under the guidance of an experienced dentist. Ask your dentist to do a tailored whitening, which consists of applying the gel on areas where whitening has not been complete.

• Question

  How many times a day can it be done?

  

  Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

  

  Doctor of Dental Surgery

  Expert Answer

  Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

  No more than once a day and no longer than two weeks in a row. Stop the procedure for one week and repeat if necessary. Avoiding colored foods and drinks will help you keep a longer result. Remember that you must also do regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

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• Avoid brushing your gums with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.

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• Remember not to brush with a mix of baking soda and lemon juice or other acidic substances.

  <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

• Don't brush a single area of your mouth for too long. Divide 1 to 1 ½ minute evenly among your top teeth, then brush your bottom teeth for a total of 1 to 1 ½ minute.

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• See a dentist if you’re concerned about whitening your teeth. Stains or discoloration may be signs of problems that require professional dental care.[14]

  <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

• Don’t brush your teeth with baking soda or abrasive toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth, which may indicate dental erosion. Brushing with abrasive products will just make matters worse.[15]

  <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

• Avoid brushing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide if you have braces or a permanent retainer.[16]

  <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

• To prevent uneven coloration or damage to your dental work, don’t use hydrogen peroxide or at-home bleaching kits if you have crowns, caps, or veneers.[17]

  <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

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Article SummaryX

To whiten your teeth with baking soda, first mix together 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water to form a paste. Then, gently brush your teeth with the paste for 1-2 minutes. Rinse out your mouth with water when you’re finished. Repeat every other day for up to 2 weeks, then cut back to once or twice a week for the best results. Alternatively, brush your teeth with 2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1 part baking soda a few times per week. Either way, make sure you continue brushing your teeth with toothpaste twice a day to keep them clean and healthy. Check with your dentist before brushing with baking soda to make sure it’s right for your teeth. Baking soda may be too abrasive if you have sensitive teeth. For more advice from our Dental co-author, like how to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, scroll down!

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