Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?

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. The Mayo Clinic says that, toothpaste containing baking soda can help with surface stains, such as coffee and smoking stains, and it could take between two to six weeks for you to notice a difference. But because baking soda removes discoloration from the surface of your teeth, it’s important to keep in mind that it won’t remove deeper stains.  

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, a professional whitening treatment can work as well as weeks of at-home options, so they might be a great choice for your smile.

Baking soda is less abrasive than many alternatives and similar in hardness to your teeth’s dentin, the layer that sits underneath the enamel. Together, these factors make it a safe option for daily use in your oral care routine. However, it’s important to remember that it’s still an abrasive, which means it can damage your tooth enamel and cause sensitivity if used incorrectly. If you’re making your own DIY baking soda whitener, it can be difficult to know how much to use and how to combine it with other ingredients to avoid these potential risks. For that reason, we would always recommend using a professionally formulated baking soda toothpaste for whitening when possible, like Colgate® Baking Soda And Peroxide Whitening Bubbles Toothpaste. If you go the DIY route, ask your dental professional for advice on how to do it safely.

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

Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent used in many whitening treatments, including pens, strips, and even professional treatments. It’s very effective at whitening the teeth, and so people often wonder if they can use store-bought hydrogen peroxide for whitening at home. And in this case, you might also be wondering: can I use hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to whiten my teeth?

There is no reason you cannot use the two together. In fact, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are often found in the same whitening products. However, keep in mind that these products have been professionally formulated so that all ingredients are in safe concentrations, and mixed together in the correct ratios. As with baking-soda-only formulations, it can be hard to get that right at home. Using hydrogen peroxide incorrectly can lead to tooth sensitivity and even chemical burns on the gum tissue, so the safest option is to use a professional product. As always, though, your dental professional can advise you how to DIY safely if that’s your preference.

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 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.

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 goes a long way towards keeping your mouth healthy and your teeth pearly-white. Here are some tips you can start practicing today:

• 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. If you would prefer an alternative, there are other interdental cleaning devices like picks or water flossers available. 
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet that’s not too high in sugary or acidic items.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products.

Baking soda is proven to whiten your teeth, but it 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.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.