There are lots of ways to keep your teeth white: professional take home whitening treatments from your Lake Forest dentist, whitening strips from the store, refraining from food entirely, baking soda. But the latest addition to that list is by far the cheapest option, and you probably have everything you already need at home. Whitening your teeth with baking soda requires little more than a wet toothbrush and a container of baking soda.
How Does Baking Soda Whitening Work?
Baking soda is a slightly alkaline substance that is water soluble. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, the substance is found naturally in many water sources, but can also be easily produced in an artificial setting. When baking soda dissolves in water it is better able to penetrate tooth enamel where it interacts with the substances that have stained your teeth, whether they originate from tobacco, darkly colored beverages like tea or coke. This interaction breaks up the discolored molecules, freeing them from teeth and whitening your smile.
Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda
Brushing your teeth with baking soda is pretty much the same as brushing them with regular toothpaste, and in fact many toothpastes contain baking soda. Simply wet your toothbrush, dip it into the white powder, and brush as you normally would. Brushing with baking soda is cheap and effective, and we understand that it can be tempting to use it all the time, but your Lake Forest dentist warns that brushing with baking soda more than once a week can have very negative consequences on your enamel. Part of baking soda’s whitening power comes from the fact that it is so abrasive. This abrasiveness means that using baking soda too often can wear down enamel and make teeth more sensitive, or more susceptible to cavities. Those with braces or other permanent dental work should consult with Dr. Fondriest before using baking soda to brush.
Contact Dr. Fondriest Today
While baking soda can help remove light surface stains, stronger whitening treatments are available from our office. Talk with your dentist about finding an in-office or at-home treatment that is right for you. You can schedule an appointment by calling (847)234-0517.
Dr Fondriest is a Nationally recognized and highly sought after cosmetic dentist serving clients from throughout the United States