Baking soda has been a part of people’s pantries for over one-hundred years. Sodium bicarbonate (AKA baking soda) has a number of benefits and uses such as soaking up odors or scrubbing off stains from a variety of surfaces.One popular use for baking soda, however, is whitening your teeth. Brushing with a baking soda and water solution removes small tooth stains and potentially improves oral health. A number of commercially available toothpastes contain baking soda. Sheridan dentist, Dr. Donald Coon explains why baking soda makes such an excellent dental hygiene product. However, you may want to be mindful of how often you use sodium bicarbonate on your smile.
Baking Soda and your Mouth
The greatest overall threat to your teeth is acid. Some foods and drinks are naturally acidic. When consumed, they change the pH level in your mouth. The pH scale measures any substance’s acidity in ranges between 0-14. Zero is the most acidic, while 14 is the most alkaline.The mid-scale number seven indicates neutral pH. Therefore, the ideal mouth pH is approximately 7.1. When oral pH levels lower to 5.5 or less, your tooth enamel begins to erode. This process is called demineralization, and it is the first step in the development of tooth decay. Since baking soda is a naturally alkaline substance, the powder helps raise your mouth’s pH level, thereby neutralizing the damaging effects of acid erosion.
Baking Soda Whitening
Aside from cancelling acid, baking soda is a popular additive in oral hygiene products because the abrasiveness can remove surface stains on tooth enamel. While the irresponsible overuse of baking soda can cause damage to your teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) agrees that toothpaste without abrasives won’t do as much for cleaning your smile. That said, the ADA also recommends brushing your teeth gently, with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and only using baking soda a maximum of once a week to avoid scratching tooth enamel.
Visit your Sheridan Dentist
To learn more about taking care of your teeth, or to speak with your Sheridan dentist, schedule a consultation at Grinnell Street Dental by contacting our Sheridan dentist office at (307) 672-7567. We welcome patients from Sheridan, WY and the surrounding communities.
