Can Baking Soda Improve Your Oral Health?

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has many uses in cleaning and cooking. However, its usefulness doesn’t end there, as it also has applications in oral health. When looking for new ways to improve and protect your smile, it is crucial to ensure that any products you use are both safe and effective. Here are some of the ways baking soda can benefit your oral health.

1. Reduces Acidity and Plaque

If the acidity in your mouth is too high, it can lead to eroded enamel and increase your risk of tooth decay. Baking soda is alkaline, so it can help regulate your mouth’s PH by neutralizing the acidity. As such, baking soda not only prevents tooth decay but also helps remineralize your enamel.

Baking soda can also limit plaque buildup by neutralizing plaque acids. Many kinds of toothpaste contain baking soda to help clean teeth more effectively and protect against plaque. Additionally, since bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by acidity, the neutralizing powers of baking soda can help keep your breath fresher.

2. Whitens Teeth

One of the most significant benefits of baking soda is its ability to whiten teeth. Baking soda has a low level of abrasiveness and can remove stains from the surface of your teeth. What’s more, oral care products with baking soda are often more effective in whitening teeth compared to more abrasive solutions that do not contain baking soda.

You can enjoy the whitening benefits of baking soda by using toothpaste with baking soda as a listed ingredient. Alternatively, dip a damp toothbrush into baking soda and brush your teeth with it twice a day. You can also make a paste using water and baking soda, then apply it directly to your teeth. Let it sit for two minutes before wiping it off to help remove stains.

3. Combats Bacteria

Oral health problems, including gum disease, result from bacteria buildup on your teeth and gums. Baking soda has antibacterial properties, so it can reduce the occurrence or accumulation of bacteria in your mouth that may cause decay or periodontal disease. Brushing with baking soda can help remove food remains that encourage bacterial growth. Another benefit is that baking soda does not affect the beneficial bacteria present in your mouth.

4. Soothes Mouth Sores

If you suffer from mouth sores or ulcers, baking soda can help speed up healing. Mouth sores take longer to heal when aggravated by drinks, food, and other irritants. Since it is anti-inflammatory, you can use baking soda to minimize discomfort from the sores and accelerate healing. To soothe mouth sores and ulcers, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse.

Conclusion

When you consider these benefits, it is clear why many people include baking soda in their oral hygiene routines. However, you shouldn’t replace toothpaste with baking soda entirely, as you need fluoride to keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy. If you have questions or concerns about your oral hygiene, always consult a dentist for professional advice on what is best for your dental health.