Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a natural compound with mild abrasive properties used for cleansing and stain removal. Its alkaline nature helps neutralize acids in the mouth, which contribute to tooth decay and odor. This guide provides instructions for safely incorporating baking soda into your oral hygiene routine.
Preparing the Baking Soda Mixture
You must use pure, food-grade sodium bicarbonate, as this is the only type suitable for oral use. To apply it to your brush, you must create a paste by mixing the powder with a small amount of liquid.
The simplest preparation involves mixing the baking soda with plain water. A common ratio is one part baking soda to one part water, such as one teaspoon of each, to achieve a thick, manageable consistency. If the plain mixture is unappealing, the powder can be mixed directly with a small amount of your regular toothpaste. This combination can improve the flavor and texture while still providing the cleaning properties of the sodium bicarbonate.
Proper Brushing Technique
Once the paste is prepared, brushing must be performed carefully to avoid damaging tooth enamel. Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles when brushing with baking soda to minimize the scrubbing force applied to the teeth and gums.
Apply the mixture to the brush and use a light touch, focusing on small, circular motions across all tooth surfaces. Avoid the aggressive horizontal sawing motion, which is more abrasive when combined with the powder’s mild scouring action. A duration of about two minutes is recommended to ensure all areas are cleaned effectively. After brushing, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to remove all remaining granules and residual film.
Safety Considerations and Usage Frequency
The primary concern when using baking soda is its abrasive quality, which can lead to enamel wear if used too frequently or aggressively. Enamel is the hard, outer layer of the tooth that does not regenerate once eroded. Loss of enamel can increase sensitivity and vulnerability to cavities.
For most individuals, limit the use of baking soda for brushing to no more than one to two times per week. Using it more often increases the risk of surface damage over time. Furthermore, baking soda does not contain fluoride, which is essential for strengthening enamel and providing protection against decay. Therefore, it should never completely replace your regular fluoride toothpaste. Individuals with pre-existing severe enamel damage, sensitive teeth, or certain dental work like veneers, crowns, or bonding should avoid using baking soda due to the potential for surface damage.