Many patients want easy, low-cost options for cleaner and whiter teeth and are curious about natural tooth care solutions. A mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is one of the most famous old-school remedies. It’s inexpensive and effective, but there are some downsides. So use this classic mixture carefully, and avoid replacing fluoride toothpaste with this helpful home remedy. Instead, consider using it as an addition to your oral healthcare routine.
Baking soda is one of the first products used as a dentifrice (or toothpaste) and has been helping us clean our teeth for more than 100 years. Baking soda is another name for sodium bicarbonate, a powdery salt used for baking, household cleaning and oral hygiene. You almost certainly have some in your kitchen cupboard. Baking soda is an alkaline substance (as opposed to an acid). Over the years, studies have confirmed that baking soda is safe to use on your teeth and has plenty of benefits. It’s mildly abrasive and doesn’t increase tooth sensitivity. Hydrogen peroxide is another popular oral hygiene product and is one of the most effective tooth-whitening agents. It’s what your dentist uses at higher concentrations for in-office whitening. However, there are some safety precautions to follow when using peroxide at home.
Baking soda has been proven safe for oral hygiene and has several advantages.
We frequently hear from patients that baking soda has an unpleasant taste and texture. Many of us have a favorite toothpaste because we like the way it tastes, and that’s important when we think about making it convenient and enjoyable to brush. Some other downsides include:
Hydrogen peroxide is another proven teeth whitener in toothpaste and mouth rinses.
Mixing a paste of baking soda and an over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide is an effective home remedy for teeth-whitening. However, hydrogen peroxide is more potent (and potentially more problematic) than baking soda, so use it wisely. Using it too frequently or for extended periods can damage your enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. Overuse of hydrogen peroxide can also irritate and inflame your gums. Some tips for the safe use of hydrogen peroxide for oral hygiene include:
Many of the tried and true dental care remedies are still helping patients more than a century later. However, they’re no substitute for the 21st-century oral care provided by your dentist. We see value in remedies like baking soda and peroxide as an addition to your tooth care routine instead of replacing ADA-approved products. There’s no substitute for great oral hygiene, including flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Plenty of ADA-approved toothpastes incorporate baking soda and/or peroxide for more effective whitening. Routine checkups with your family dentist are also essential for healthy teeth and a bright smile. At Greenhill Family Dental Care, we provide a range of cosmetic services, including safe and effective in-office whitening that lets you see a dramatic difference immediately. Using baking soda and peroxide is safe and effective, but an in-office treatment is the way to go if you’re looking for a fundamental change.
