Q&A: Can Baking Soda Improve Your Oral Health?

Baking soda is one of those handy ingredients with many benefits. For that reason, you likely have a box kicking around somewhere in your home.

Baking soda is a salt compound commonly used:

• In baked goods as a leavening agent.

• In fridges and deodorants to neutralize odors.

• By kids of all ages to enjoy the vinegar and baking soda volcano experiment!
   

As wonderful as all of its other uses are, did you know it can also be your best kept oral health secret?

In this month’s blog, we reached out to Alicia Proper, one of Shifa Dentistry’s superstar hygienists. She answered our top five questions about this versatile compound and shared some valuable insight that can benefit your oral health.
 

Q: What are some key benefits of adding baking soda to your oral health routine?

There are many benefits to choosing a toothpaste with baking soda.

• Clinical studies show that baking soda kills a wide array of oral bacteria, which helps reduce gingivitis and other forms of gum disease.

• Another added benefit is baking soda’s pH, which neutralizes oral bacteria acids preventing and potentially remineralizing cavities.

In a nutshell, using baking soda is a fantastic way to prevent cavities and maintain a healthy mouth!
 

Q: Can baking soda cause root sensitivity? 

Baking soda does not create root sensitivity because it is so gentle on your teeth, making it safe for daily use.
 

Q: Are there other ways to use baking soda for improved oral health?

Aside from purchasing toothpaste with baking soda adding it to water and swishing with it can be beneficial.
 

Q: Can I brush with plain baking soda?

You could, but it would taste terrible! Taste plays a huge role in oral health. Brushing with a palatable paste will increase your likelihood of brushing more thoroughly. Also, some commercial toothpaste include more ingredients that provide added oral health benefits

Q: Can baking soda be used as a tooth whitener?

Yes, Baking soda diminishes the appearance of stains on the teeth, making it an effective tooth whitener. However, every mouth is different. The way you choose to whiten your teeth depends on the condition of your oral health. At Shifa Dentistry, a part of my job is to educate our patients and provide options that work best for each individual. If you are looking to whiten your teeth, it is best to consult your dental health team to see what is right for you.

Thank you, Alicia, for your insight!