Everyone wishes their teeth were just a little bit whiter, but few realize a baking soda teeth whitening rinse does the trick. Here’s all you need to know about at-home baking soda teeth whitening so you can achieve a crisp, white smile.
Before we talk about the risks and benefits of baking soda teeth whitening, we should discuss tooth discoloration and stain prevention.
How To Prevent Tooth Discoloration
In order to avoid discoloration, stay away from the widely-known culprits. This includes coffee, red wine, soda, darker berries, and cigarettes. Of course, each of these factors (except smoking) are fine in moderation. If you’re a heavy red wine/coffee drinker, consider cutting back if you want to see visual improvements from the following teeth whitening rinses.
How Does Baking Soda Teeth Whitening Work?
Baking soda’s mildly abrasive properties aid in plaque removal on the surface of your teeth. Additionally, baking soda’s alkalinity prevents oral bacteria and eliminates discoloration from food and beverages.
How To: Make a Baking Soda Teeth Whitening Rinse
While there are many different whitening rinses you can make, here are our three favorite and safest mixes.
- Detox With Coconut Oil: Although oil pulling has become somewhat of a fad, baking soda mixed with coconut oil can leave your teeth with a nice, shiny finish. Oil pulling removes plaque build-up from your teeth that often leaves a yellow or dim look. Swish the baking soda mixture in your mouth for 30 seconds before rinsing with water.
- Mix With Hydrogen Peroxide: If you want to see quick results, mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide is probably your best bet. Hydrogen peroxide helps baking soda kill bacteria without exposing your teeth to harsh acidic properties. Add this paste to your toothbrush and brush for two minutes.
- Simple Water Rinse: A water and baking soda mixture not only whitens your teeth, but it also freshens your breath and re-balances the pH levels in your mouth. To create this mix, add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water.
Risks of Teeth Whitening With Baking Soda
You should never pair baking soda with another acidic component. Contrary to what you read online, do not combine baking soda with limes, lemons, or any vinegar-based products. The high levels of acidity may harm your teeth and weaken your enamel.
If you keep the baking soda rinse in your mouth for too long (over two minutes) or overuse the whitening rinse, you run the risk of weakening your enamel and in turn increase your tooth’s sensitivity. Note that baking soda rinses contain many benefits, but they do not prevent cavities. You should always follow up with your normal hygiene routine (brush your teeth, floss, etc.) after these whitening rinses.
If you feel a stinging or burning sensation after attempting a baking soda rinse, please make an appointment to see a dentist at your earliest convenience.