Baking soda for whiter teeth? this is how to use it

Having healthy and white teeth is almost everyone's dream. Not only health reasons, white teeth certainly make you more confident. The simplest way to keep your teeth white is to brush your teeth regularly. To maximize the benefits of toothpaste, many people also use baking soda for teeth to make them whiter.

Then, how do you whiten teeth with baking soda? Is this method effective and does not cause dangerous side effects? For a full review, here are a few things you need to know.

Is baking soda effective in toothpaste?

Baking soda or baking soda known as sodium bicarbonate you generally find in the kitchen as an additive to expand the dough. Without it, the bread dough will not be perfect in taste and appearance. Of the various benefits of baking soda, one that is widely discussed is to whiten teeth.

Several studies have researched the content of baking soda in toothpaste and came up with positive conclusions including its benefits to help whiten teeth.

Journal entitled Stain removal and whitening by baking soda dentifrice: A review of the literature found that toothpaste containing baking soda was more effective in reducing stains and increasing the whiteness of teeth.

Besides being proven effective in removing stains and whitening teeth, the baking soda content in toothpaste is also safe for daily use as long as it is in the right amount.

Quoted from another journal published by the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2017, baking soda is one of the softest ingredients of abrasive toothpaste when compared to silica.

How does baking soda work to whiten teeth?

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) has long been used as an ingredient in toothpaste. This is because baking soda has abrasive properties so it can remove stains on teeth.

Based on the journal published by the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry , Other abrasive compounds such as silica can help remove stains as well, but not as well as baking soda.

Still from the same journal, brushing your teeth with toothpaste containing baking soda for 30 seconds can remove stains and whiten teeth. This is thanks to the abrasive nature of baking soda.

Unfortunately for those of you who want to remove tartar with baking soda, this method is somewhat less effective. The hardened layer of tartar is difficult to remove with regular dental work, which is necessary scaling teeth at the doctor.

How to use baking soda for teeth?

Baking soda is safe and effective in cleaning teeth. However, if you want to make your own toothpaste, you need to pay attention to the dosage. The reason is, one of the dangers of baking soda for teeth is that it can erode enamel or what is known as tooth erosion. This happens when you use baking soda too much or without a certain dose.

If you find yellow teeth after brushing your teeth with homemade toothpaste, it means that the enamel has been eroded and has reached a deeper tooth structure called dentin. So, make sure to use enough baking soda and don't overdo it.

The toothpaste recipes from baking soda, which are quoted through Dentaly.org and can be your reference, include:

• 100 grams of baking soda (less than half a cup)
• 10-15 drops of natural oil, taste according to taste
• Purified water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Mix baking soda, salt, and natural oils while adding water a little at a time until a paste is formed. You can adjust the consistency of the toothpaste as desired. One of the benefits of salt is to add minerals, but if you don't like the taste you may not use it.

You can also add coconut oil (coconut oil) in a homemade toothpaste mixture. The combination of baking soda and coconut oil can produce a paste or foam that is safe and gentle for teeth. The reason is, the benefits of coconut oil are known to improve oral and dental health and have the potential to fight bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Then just use this mixture as you brush your teeth in general. Don't forget to rinse your mouth with clean water to remove the remaining baking soda mixture in the oral cavity.

It's just that, still pay attention to the amount of baking soda used so that it doesn't cause side effects, one of which is tooth enamel damage. Don't use the baking soda mixture as a toothpaste over and over again. We recommend that you use it only occasionally, for example once a week.

In addition, a more practical way if you want to benefit from baking soda is to choose the content of toothpaste with this compound.

Also consider consulting your doctor first if you have sensitive teeth or other oral and dental health problems.