“Can I Use Baking Soda to Whiten My Teeth?”

Everyone wants a white smile, but everyday habits can really take a toll on our teeth. Red wine, smoking, coffee, tea, and many other culprits have a tendency to transform our once pure white grins into dull, discolored smiles. The good news? It doesn’t have to be permanent. There are multiple ways we can effectively whiten our teeth.

Baking Soda as a Whitener

At my dental office Charlottesville, we want you to not only have a smile you’re happy with, but also help you get it safely and effectively. Baking soda is often promoted as an effective way to whiten teeth, and while it can eliminate some staining, there are several things you should know about the technique before giving it a shot.

It May Not Work

Yes, baking soda has been proven to remove some types of tooth staining, but not all. Since baking soda is abrasive by nature, it can basically scour away minor surface stains and help give your smile a whiter appearance. But if teeth have more severe staining, or staining that actually resides below the tooth surface, baking soda probably won’t work. If this is the case, you may find an in-office professional whitening treatment or cosmetic dentistry, like veneers, more effective. Talk with your dentist in Charlottesville to figure out what’s best for you.

There’s a Right Way to Use It

Whitening your teeth with baking soda may seem easy and harmless, but there is a correct way to use it.

• Mix the baking soda with equal parts water to tone down the level of abrasiveness
• Brush gently, don’t scrub
• Don’t use it every day — once or a twice a week is the recommended limit
• Remember to still use your regular toothpaste every day, twice a day to continue to protect against bacteria

Be Aware of Possible Disadvantages

Using baking soda to whiten teeth is appealing to many people due to the fact that it’s low cost, yet effective, but there are still risks associated with it. Even though the abrasive texture is what makes it an effective whitener, it’s also one of the major risks. If used too often or inappropriately, baking soda can damage enamel and increase the risk for decay and tooth sensitivity.

If you desire a smile that’s whiter, give my Charlottesville dental office a call today to schedule an appointment. We can work together to determine which whitening treatment is best for you.
Welcoming patients from Charlottesville, Earlysville, Ruckersville and beyond. 

About The Author

Dr. Jack T. Kayton

Dr. Jack T. Kayton has served families in Charlottesville and surrounding areas since 1994 through his general and family dentistry private practice. Believing that everyone deserves quality dental care, he donates his time to worthy causes. He volunteers at the Donated Dental Service and the Charlottesville Free Clinic. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry, among others.

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