QuickCheck: Is baking soda a good substitute for toothpaste?

Baking soda usually comes in little bags or tins but some are prepared as little tablets made specifically for brushing your teeth.

YOU hate using toothpaste. Or anything that is minty and advertised as the best way to clean your teeth by the commercial industry. Nothing in the modern world, especially through the advancement in dental care can appeal to you. Hence, you decide to go old school by using a home concoction of baking soda to whiten your teeth. An age old practice to some.

But does it really work? Does baking soda really whiten your teeth?

Verdict:

TRUE*

Yes it is true, but this is a "true" with an asterisk.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, contains a chemical compound that can be used as an antacid and as well as a mildly abrasive cleaner; typically floor cleaning carpets but it will work to clean your teeth.

However, as it does not contain fluoride, baking soda leaves no protection to the enamel, which is the hard surface of your teeth.

"Baking soda is an inexpensive, readily available teeth cleanser. As a mild abrasive, it can lighten some tooth stains, and it can help scrub away dental plaque.

"However, because it doesn’t contain fluoride, it’s not as effective at preventing cavities as your typical fluoride toothpaste," says healthline.com.

Flouride is essential in strengthening your teeth. Otherwise, the government will not have infused the water supply with a healthy dose of that teeth-strengthening goodness.

"Over time, enamel erosion can promote tooth decay and tooth sensitivity.

"Increased exposure to fluoride helps restore some of the mineral density to your tooth enamel.

"This process is known as remineralisation and it strengthens tooth enamel and reduces your chances of developing tooth decay and sensitivity," says marlboroughctdentist.com.

And there you have it. Nobody is stopping you from using baking soda to clean your teeth.

But having too much of everything is never advisable, as the adage says. It is better to use something that is actually made for your gnashers.

Just use toothpaste. Find a flavour that you're at least 'OK' and just stick to that.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/baking-soda-toothpaste#bottom-line

2. https://www.marlboroughctdentist.com/fluoride-can-help-reverse-enamel-erosion/