Published on: 5/21/2025
What Are the Potential Risks of Using Baking Soda As a Teeth Whitening Agent?
Using baking soda for teeth whitening can lead to enamel wear and increased sensitivity if used too often or too aggressively.
Explanation
Baking soda is a common household item that some people use to whiten their teeth. However, there are potential risks to be aware of. Baking soda can be abrasive, which means it might wear down the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, if used too much. This can make teeth more sensitive and can lead to other dental problems over time.
Risks of Using Baking Soda:
- Enamel Wear: Baking soda's abrasive nature can erode enamel, which is the hard, protective layer on your teeth.
- Sensitivity: As enamel wears down, teeth can become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.
- Gum Irritation: Using baking soda too aggressively can also irritate your gums.
For safe use, it's important to limit how often and how hard you brush with baking soda. It might be best to use it only occasionally and gently, or to talk to a dentist about safer whitening options. Always remember that maintaining good dental hygiene with regular brushing and flossing is key to keeping your teeth healthy.
(References)
- Li Y. (2017). Stain removal and whitening by baking soda dentifrice. Journal of the American Dental Association (1939), 29056186.
- Abidia RF, El-Hejazi AA, Azam A, Al-Qhatani S, Al-Mugbel K, AlSulami M, & Khan AS. (2023). In vitro comparison of natural tooth-whitening remedies .... The Saudi dental journal, 36942206.
- Gasmi Benahmed A, Gasmi A, Menzel A, Hrynovets I, Chirumbolo S, Shanaida M, et al. (2022). A review on natural teeth whitening. Journal of oral biosciences, 34915121.
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