Whiten Your Teeth With Baking Soda

Teeth whitening is commonly conducted with the assistance of some oxidizing agents, like hydrogen peroxide for oxidizing attached stains on teeth enamel. So does sodium bicarbonate, or well-known as baking soda. 

Baking soda is able to remove stains on teeth, especially stains caused by smoking, tea, coffee and other foods. After the stains disappears, the teeth can look cleaner and back into its original white color. However, the use of baking soda is not good if conducted too often as its abrasive will damage the surface of the teeth and gums.

Baking soda is effective for treating the discoloration of the teeth. It can reach cracks and crevices on the enamel, then eliminates stains on teeth that usually disrupt someone's performance. Another benefit of using baking soda is its ability in throwing away the plaque, reducing the bacteria growth in mouth, maintaining oral hygiene, and minimalizing mouth odor.


Baking soda can be mixed with toothpaste or combined with some other substances in order to improve its effect. These are some formulas to make teeth whitening with baking soda as base ingredient:   


1. Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has a powerful bleaching properties which can be combined with baking soda to whiten teeth. Hydrogen peroxide can be found in most pharmacies and are usually displayed in a dark bottle to prevent reactions due to light exposure. Make sure you've got a solution of 3%, which is safe to be used orally. Hydrogen peroxide can also be an effective antibacterial mouthwash. You can make a homemade toothpaste by mixing a little bit of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. But make sure to not swallow these mixture while brushing your teeth. 


2. Baking Soda + Your Toothpaste 

You can mix a little baking soda with regular toothpaste to obtain the bleaching effect of baking soda as well the benefits of fluoride from toothpaste that strengthens and protects teeth. Simply place the toothpaste to toothbrush, sprinkle baking soda on it, then brush your teeth as usual. 


3. Baking Soda + Lemon Juice

Baking soda can be mixed with lemon or lime juice juice fresh because citrus acid contained in these fruits are useful as an effective whitening ingredient. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or fresh lime juice. Brush your teeth using this mixture, keep it for 1 minute before you rinse thoroughly. Remember, most dentists do not recommend this method because citrus acid contained in lemon and lime juice are corrosive and can damage teeth. 


4. Baking Soda + Glycerin + Peppermint Extract + Salt

Mix 6 teaspoons of baking soda with 4 teaspoons of glycerin to make a smooth paste. Then, add 1/2 teaspoons of salt and a few drops of peppermint extract to the mixture. Once mixed well, you can use the mixture as toothpaste to whiten your teeth. Use it carefully and wisely. Brush your teeth gently to avoid damage of the tooth enamel.

Tips:

• Do not brush your gums as it can cause a burning sensation and bleeding.  
• Use an electric toothbrush to brush your teeth more quickly and more effectively.  
• Also, brush your tongue with spices and / or favorite fruits.  
• If it feels sore or bleeding gums happens when you brush your teeth, these whitening with baking soda method is not recommended.

 

Warning:

• Baking soda can parse orthodontic glue. Do not use this method if you wear braces or permanent tooth saver.  
• Do not brush your teeth too strong because the enamel can be broken (called abrasion) and lead to hypersensitivity.  
• Do not use this method too often because abrasion can permanently damage the tooth enamel.

 

Addition:

Some brands of special toothpaste (usually for smokers) contain abrasive materials which much lighter than baking soda. Toothpaste can be used every day without risks that threaten the health of your teeth. Also helps eliminate not only tobacco stains, but also stains caused by coffee, tea, and wine. 

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