Baking soda or bicarbonate powder has a lot of uses in household chores. It is also known as a leavening agent and it has a lot of other uses as well. In addition to being used in baking for bread rising it has other purposes as well. The most common uses it has are mostly in the kitchen but it has been newly discovered that it can be used for beauty purposes as well. It can be used for dental health and teeth whitening. Most people use it’s a substitute for toothpastes. The most important purpose it serves is in dental care that is teeth whitening. Let’s have a look at some of the advantages of baking soda being used as a tooth whitener.
You can know the actual reason behind Why You Need Teeth Whitening?
Table of Contents
Alternative for Toothpaste
Baking soda works as a toothpaste. Although it cannot work as properly as the product toothpaste, it is always here for giving the teeth a cleaner look. Other than this the toothpaste having the baking soda content helps prevent tooth decay.
You can also check : How to Whiten Teeth With Aluminum Foil?
No Bacteria
Various colonies of bacteria are settled on the teeth and attach to the surface where they eventually cause problems like tooth decay and gingivitis. Plague is one of the common examples of biofilms formed on the teeth which in turn cause many problems. Baking soda is actually responsible for decreasing the thriving of these bacterial colonies and thus keeping the teeth clean and healthy.
There are various types of bacteria and some of them need more acidic conditions to thrive so when the water mixed with baking soda is used the pH levels of the mouth increase making it less acidic and creating an environment which is not suitable for the bacteria.
No to Fluoride
A condition called fluoride toxicity is responsible for having consumed large amounts of fluoride and the symptoms for this condition are diarrhoea, vomiting, heart problems and kidney failure. So, in order to avoid fluoride toxicity for people who are allergic to fluoride, the option of using baking soda as a teeth cleaner is the best option.
Quite a Fame
This technique is not only used by commoners but also is in practice by many celebrities. You may find many vlogs where people explain the merits and demerits of using this hack. They perform the whole procedure to give a practical explanation to the viewers. The results till now have been positive. People have been giving good feedback about using baking soda for whitening of teeth. This has urged many people to try it and they have been highly satisfied with the results. It simply answers the question that your teeth whiten with baking soda.
What is the Cost of Baking Soda?
The substitute of using baking soda as compared to any toothpaste is the cheaper and more reasonable option. One ounce of baking soda costs at least 53 cents. Moreover, it is very easily available at all kinds of departmental stores.
Ingredients needed when using baking soda as a toothpaste
All you need is your toothbrush, water, baking soda and some container for mixing the things up.
Process of Using Baking Soda as an Alternative
- Just mix up equal amounts of water and baking soda to form a slurry-like consistency and then apply it on the teeth with the help of the toothbrush.
- Move the toothbrush in circular motion over the teeth such that the mixture eventually covers all the teeth completely.
- Some experts also recommend adding in vinegar or lemon juice which is a rather risky idea in the sense that it increases the acidity of the oral cavity and leaves the teeth vulnerable to decay.
Is there a time limitation for applying baking soda on teeth?
Applying the baking soda paste for teeth cleansing for longer periods of time which is more than two minutes causes the teeth enamel to decay and erode which is another problem for oral health. Therefore, using the right technique for this hack is really important. Make sure you don’t use it for less time as results won’t be visible and do not leave it longer as it may create some serious trouble for your teeth.
Visibility of Results
Usually, people are able to see the effective results after a few days but proper whitening is noticeable mostly after some weeks. Some people take less than a day and find the hack really suitable.
Baking soda is the cleanser available instantly when needed. It is helpful in lightening some of the stains on the teeth and can also fight the dental plaque. Fluoride can prevent cavities but baking soda doesn’t have it which means prevention against cavities is a bit problematic as compared to toothpastes full of the chemical.
The complex salty and sandy taste of baking soda seems unappealing to many people but they feel comfortable due to its easy access, the level of pH and tiny characteristics as people avoid fluoride.
Conclusion
Like all other hacks the use of baking soda paste for teeth whitening is a guarantee to bring the results but the best ones have shown a frequent use of two to three weeks. The excess use of baking soda can damage the teeth enamel. Other than this it cannot be used as a substitute for toothpastes because toothpastes normally consist of fluoride contents which are also important for oral hygiene in some ways. Baking soda is advised not to be used by people who have braces. If any kind of tooth sensitivity is observed you should instantly go to the doctor and tell them the whole experience.
So, viewing this option of teeth cleaning as a substitute for toothpaste would not be very okay but using it in addition to the toothpaste is a good option for people who want both fluoride and teeth whitening. Just make sure proper instructions are followed so you do not damage your teeth and get the result better than your expectations.
