Most of us know baking soda as a kitchen all-rounder.
Whether as a baking agent or as a cleaning aid, baking soda appears in many household remedies as a reliable helper. This also applies to dental care.
Brushing teeth with baking soda is said to have a natural whitening effect and is also good for the gums. Even Hollywood actress Julia Roberts revealed in an interview that she brushes her teeth with baking soda - a trick that her grandfather is said to have used.
Does baking soda really help to whiten teeth?
Brushing your teeth with baking soda does indeed have a whitening effect. The reason for this is the fine particles of baking soda, which, like tiny sandpaper, rub discoloration from the teeth.
When used correctly, deposits are removed and the natural whiteness of the teeth is revealed.
Baking soda is therefore particularly popular with smokers, who often struggle with yellowing teeth.
Baking soda for brushing teeth - what actually happens?
The discoloration on our teeth is caused by deposits. Tannins in particular, as found in
- red wine,
- coffee,
- cigarettes
- cigarettes or black tea,
make our teeth darker over time and cause unsightly discoloration.
However, in order to get whiter teeth again, you don't necessarily have to resort to so-called whitening toothpastes, which usually contain many very artificial ingredients and microplastics and are classified by many dentists as too abrasive - i.e. damaging to tooth enamel.
When brushing teeth, the fine particles of sodium bicarbonate are able to remove the discoloring plaque from the tooth surface. To achieve precisely this effect, the industry adds coarser abrasive particles and now less common microplastics to whitening toothpastes.
Whitening teeth with baking soda - can it be harmful?
Sodium bicarbonate is controversial as it can potentially be harmful to teeth. Some suspect that the crystalline form of baking soda destroys tooth enamel.
This is certainly the case when baking soda is used dry directly on the tooth and with a coarse and excessively hard brushing technique. However, when baking soda is dissolved in water or better in saliva, it is one of the less abrasive agents used in dental care and still removes deposits, as studies have shown.
In our teethlovers tooth powder, for example, we use very finely pulverized baking soda, which, in combination with healing chalk and clay, enables a gentle brushing process.
Baking soda in tooth powder?
Using baking soda as a pure toothpaste has a different effect than when it is part of a powder consisting of various ingredients. The formula of the tooth powder is designed to stimulate saliva production.
The powder thus liquefies during the brushing process so that deposits and plaque are removed with the right polishing technique and the fine mineral particles, while the enamel is protected.
Thanks to the antibacterial plant extracts they contain, the various teethlovers tooth powders also taste delicious. The brushing experience with the tooth powder therefore has nothing to do with the pure baking soda application.
You can find out more about the benefits and tips for using tooth powder in a separate article.
Baking soda for gingivitis
Baking soda has other benefits for your dental care.
- For example, it can be used as an accompanying measure for gum inflammation. Gingivitis - or inflammation of the gums - is often caused by a lack of oral hygiene and the associated accumulation of unfavorable bacteria. Baking soda has an antibacterial effect and binds acids.
- It can provide relief in a homemade mouthwash.
- Simply dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water
- and rinse your mouth with it after brushing your teeth.
Baking soda is also a home remedy for toothache. As a lot of pain is caused by bacterial inflammation, this can make perfect sense.
Nevertheless, we would always recommend seeing a dentist if you have acute toothache or inflammation.
You can read the best tips on what to do with inflamed gums here.
What other natural substances can whiten your teeth
Brighter teeth for a radiant smile is probably a wish of many people. In addition to baking soda, there are other home remedies for whiter teeth that we would like to discuss in more detail here.
Because if you find a way to whiten your teeth naturally, you can save yourself and your body a lot of harmful substances that come with whitening products or bleaching.
Brushing teeth with turmeric
Cleaning your teeth with turmeric sounds a little absurd at first - after all, turmeric is bright yellow. And anyone who has ever had turmeric between their fingers while cooking knows how stubborn this yellow natural dye can be.
Nevertheless, turmeric is an effective means of whitening teeth. In India, brushing your teeth with turmeric powder is a common method. Once again, it is the light abrasive particles of the powder that effectively remove deposits. Turmeric is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect that can prevent gum inflammation.
In our lemon ginger turmeric tooth powder, we use an organic turmeric extract that is free from yellow curcuminoids.
Instead, our organic turmeric extract contains xanthorrhizol.
Xanthorrhizol can eradicate the caries trigger Streptocccus mutans within a few minutes. It also has an
- antibacterial,
- against Actinomyces viscosus
- and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which cause periodontitis.
Brushing your teeth with coconut oil
Brushing your teeth with coconut oil also has a certain whitening effect. In this case, it is the lauric acid it contains that can whiten the teeth. Coconut oil is particularly gentle on tooth enamel and can support oral health in other ways.
The oil is effective against
- germs,
- viruses
- and bacteria in the mouth.
As a result, it can reduce the risk of plaque, tartar and inflammation. It also strengthens the pellicle, the protective film on our teeth.
Coconut oil is therefore also used as an oil pulling treatment to strengthen the gums, but also for toothache.
However, we would like to emphasize once again at this point: A dentist should always be consulted if a toothache occurs!
Sage for brighter teeth
Sage is not only good for your mouth and throat, sage is also good for your teeth.
Chewing dried sage can have a slightly whitening effect on the teeth: As the leaves have a rough surface, they slightly polish the teeth when chewed, so they rub off discoloration. You can simply chew a few dried leaves after eating.
Positive side effect:
- Sage has a calming effect, even when gargled as tea
- and anti-inflammatory effect on the gums
- and is a good household remedy for gum inflammation.
Conclusion on the topic: baking soda & teeth
Baking soda is a tried-and-tested and even very common remedy for whitening teeth among smokers. Its alkaline, acid-regulating effect also makes it a household remedy for gum inflammation and bad breath.
It is suitable as a tooth whitener thanks to its tiny polishing particles. However, it should not be used as the sole tooth cleaning agent to protect tooth enamel.