Baking soda toothpaste and oral health

At Smile House, we’ve had several patients ask us about the merits of toothpaste containing baking soda. This article explains why baking soda is a popular additive in toothpaste and how it affects your teeth.

Baking soda is gentle on your teeth

Studies have found that baking soda is one of the softest abrasives found in toothpaste (Hara and Turssi, 2017). In fact, compared to other abrasives, it’s much gentler on your teeth. For this reason, baking soda toothpaste may be appropriate for patients at high risk of developing dental erosion. Likewise, those who have dental resin composites or acrylic resin dentures may benefit from using baking soda toothpaste (Hara and Turssi 2017).

Keep in mind that some baking soda toothpaste may also contain additional abrasives to enhance cleaning, whitening and stain removal. For that reason, it’s a good idea to ask us to recommend the right product for your needs.

Baking soda combats plaque

A recent study found that baking soda-containing toothpaste was ideal as a universal toothpaste for plaque control (Myneni 2017). Baking soda effectively removes dental biofilms (or plaque) from your teeth’s surfaces. Long-term studies have also shown that baking soda toothpaste works to prevent gingivitis (Myneni 2017; Sabharwal and Scannapieco 2017).

Baking soda is tried and tested

Did you know baking soda was one of the first abrasive agents used in commercial toothpaste (Myneni 2017)? In addition to its low-abrasive nature, baking soda is safe if ingested (though you should always try to rinse thoroughly after brushing). At the same time, it’s effective – it helps prevent dental caries (tooth decay) caused by acids on the enamel surface and removes plaque. It’s also naturally compatible with sodium fluoride (Myneni 2017), which is why it works so well in toothpaste.

Baking soda effectively removes stains and whitens teeth

Clinical studies have found that toothpaste with baking soda are effective and safe for stain removal and whitening. What’s more, there’s evidence to suggest that these kinds of toothpaste may be more effective at doing their job than other toothpaste with more abrasive ingredients (Li 2017).

Need advice? Speak to the experts.

If you need advice about which toothpaste is right for you or you are due for a check-up, please book in with us today. We offer same-day and after-hours appointments, as well as weekend consultations.

To make an appointment, please click here or call (03) 8521 0777.

References

Hara, A. and Turssi, C. (2017). Baking soda as an abrasive in toothpaste: Mechanism of action and safety and effectiveness considerations. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29056187 [Accessed 23 Oct. 2018].

Li, Y. (2017). Stain removal and whitening by baking soda dentifrice: A review of literature. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29056186 [Accessed 23 Oct. 2018].

Myneni, S. (2017). Effect of baking soda in dentifrices on plaque removal. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29056188 [Accessed 23 Oct. 2018].

Sabharwal, A. and Scannapieco, F. (2017). Baking soda dentifrice and periodontal health: A review of the literature. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29056185 [Accessed 23 Oct. 2018].

Zero, D. (2017). Evidence for biofilm acid neutralization by baking soda. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29056184 [Accessed 23 Oct. 2018].