Think twice before brushing with baking soda
Strong, healthy teeth and a bright smile are important to all of us. We’re always on the lookout for new products or techniques that can give us a little boost. This sometimes leads people to look in unexpected places, like the kitchen cabinet, for hygiene remedies. One product that is frequently touted as an effective toothpaste alternative is brushing with baking soda. It has been claimed to whiten teeth and effectively remove plaque with ease. However, there are some unfortunate side effects that come with using baking soda to brush your teeth.
- Increased risk of cavities – Enamel erosion also contributes to a risk of forming cavities.
- Does not remove deep stains – While the abrasiveness of baking soda may remove some stains on the surface of your teeth, it will do nothing for the deep stains embedded in the tooth itself. No amount of brushing can remove this kind of staining.
- Lacks fluoride – Regular toothpaste contains fluoride, which is not present in baking soda. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by strengthening your teeth. The combination of eroded enamel and a lack of fluoride can leave you especially vulnerable to cavities.
- Damaged enamel – The abrasive characteristic of baking soda makes it harmful to your teeth’s enamel when used repeatedly. The enamel is the protective outer coating of your teeth.
- Increased sensitivity – When the enamel gets worn away, the nerve endings inside the teeth become more exposed and vulnerable, leading to over sensitivity to hot and cold substances.
- Damaged orthodontic glue – The orthodontic glue that holds braces or permanent retainers in place can be seriously weakened by baking soda. If you have either of these, you definitely should not use baking soda to brush your teeth.
- Not necessary for plaque removal – Plaque is actually rather soft, and does not require a strong abrasive for removal. In fact, soft-bristled toothbrushes are best for removing this substance from your teeth without damaging the enamel.
If your intention is to effectively remove plaque, then gentle brushing with standard toothpastes is all that is needed. Heavy brushing can be damaging in the same way that baking soda is, so you do not need to press hard. Instead, just make sure to cover all areas of your teeth to remove plaque.