You may have baking soda in your fridge for cooking, to absorb odors, or even for cleaning, but it is also a key ingredient in some toothpastes. Some people also use baking soda by itself as a means of teeth whitening. But, is this a good idea for the safety of your teeth?
Here are some pros of using baking soda or baking soda toothpaste:
- Fight bad breath, due to balancing out acidic levels of food particles that may be trapped in your mouth
- Attack the formation of plaque, which can then prevent gum disease or tooth decay
- Treat mouth ulcers
- It can whiten and brighten your smile
Here are some cons:
- If using baking soda by itself, it is not able to fight tooth decay or kill bacteria
- It can wear away your tooth enamel due to it’s abrasiveness, by itself, or in toothpaste
- It can be harsh on your gum tissue
- There is a chance it could breakdown dental glue, used for different oral appliances
- By itself, it can be messy, gritty, and have an aftertaste
So, what is the verdict? Discuss this with your dentist. They will be able to take a look at your teeth and assess whether or not you should be using baking soda, alone, or in a toothpaste.
If you are interested in professional teeth whitening in Abbotsford, we would love to help you! Call us at Townline Dental to book an appointment today: 604-744-1513.