What is soda whitening, advantages and disadvantages. Indications and contraindications for the procedure. Methods for lightening tooth enamel. Results and reviews.
Soda whitening is an effective and simple method to lighten and remove plaque from tooth enamel. The technique has become very popular, and the result is tangible after the first procedure. You can do it yourself at home, taking precautions. Whitening has long-term results, but it can partially damage the teeth. Therefore, it is preliminarily recommended to visit a dentist for a consultation.
What is baking soda teeth whitening?
In the photo teeth whitening with soda
Conventional baking soda works to mechanically remove dirt and plaque present on the tooth enamel. Small particles of powder act as an abrasive substance. Even dentists use it for professional teeth cleaning, but in combination with a powerful stream of air and water.
Teeth whitening using activated carbon is carried out in a similar way. But in the case of the latter, blackheads may remain on the gums, and when using sodium bicarbonate, such problems will not arise.
Homemade teeth whitening with baking soda is suitable for those who have started darkening due to natural factors, such as constant consumption of tea and coffee, improper oral hygiene, old age. When the enamel is yellow from birth or due to smoking, baking soda for teeth whitening will not be effective.
There are two common technologies for bleaching with powder - using soda in its natural form or as a special solution. A noticeable effect can be achieved after carrying out 1-2 manipulations, but there is no need to frequent it. Sessions can be carried out 1 time in 7 days for 2-4 months.
Before whitening your teeth, it is worth weighing the pros and cons of the procedure. So, the benefits include:
- Availability and reasonable price … You don't have to look for ingredients in stores, as they are everywhere and are inexpensive.
- Noticeable result … The effect is comparable to professional cleaning, which also uses soda.
- Fast results … After the first procedure, there will be changes for the better. Carrying out such cleansing sessions on a regular basis will help to achieve a more lasting effect.
Among the cons or consequences of whitening:
- Over time, the enamel will be covered with small scratches and cracks, since soda is an abrasive.
- Teeth begin to darken a couple of days after brushing.
- Rashes and bleeding of the gums may appear, sometimes - an allergy in the lip area.
- Increased sensitivity of the teeth develops, which is a natural consequence of the thinning of the enamel.
See also what is activated carbon teeth whitening.
Indications and contraindications for teeth whitening with soda
Before whitening, it is better to consult a doctor and make sure that the tooth enamel is thick enough and not prone to decay, and that the procedure itself is allowed for you.
You can whiten your teeth with baking soda in the following cases:
- Daily consumption of tea and coffee … The ingredients in these drinks can leave a yellow coating on the enamel and stain existing tartar.
- Frequent mouth rinses … Saliva moisturizes and maintains the necessary acid balance. Rinsing your mouth frequently to get rid of unpleasant odors or food debris can damage the enamel and cause it to darken.
- Insufficient, improper oral care … If you brush your teeth occasionally or incorrectly, food debris can accumulate in between and be deposited on the enamel as plaque.
The baking soda method will help in many cases, although it will not get rid of tartar and foul odor. In these cases, it is better to consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination to identify the causes.
Teeth whitening with baking soda is not always possible. In situations of darkening of the enamel due to smoking abuse, genetic predisposition or certain diseases, this method will not be effective.
The procedure cannot be used by pregnant and lactating mothers, people with bleeding gums, periodontitis and other pathologies of the oral cavity (hypersensitivity, caries, cracks or fluorosis).
If, after several sessions, the sensitivity of the gums increases or they begin to bleed, the whitening method should be abandoned altogether.
Important! If you are interested in whether it is possible to whiten your teeth with baking soda, you should consult a dentist and make sure there are no contraindications.
How to whiten teeth with baking soda?
Before you whiten your teeth with baking soda at home, you need to remember that you cannot carry out the procedure every day. The optimal frequency is once a week.
Soda cleaning is best done using cotton wool, sticks, or a piece of gauze. A toothbrush can significantly aggravate the effect of abrasive particles.
Dry soda is suitable for the procedure. It is necessary to slightly wet the brush and apply a little powder on top. If you don't like the aftertaste, you can add a little pasta.
Alternatively, you can use a cotton swab that is moistened with water and then dipped in baking soda. In any case, it is necessary to minimize the ingress of powder on the mucous membrane in order to exclude the occurrence of burns.
There are other recipes for whitening teeth with baking soda, in particular with the use of additional ingredients that increase the cleansing effect:
- With toothpaste … This is the simplest but most effective method and is repeated twice a week. Mix the ingredients before whitening your teeth with baking soda and toothpaste. Then you need to brush your teeth with the resulting mushy mixture, leave for 10 minutes to act, then rinse your mouth with warm water.
- With hydrogen peroxide … The recipe allows you to achieve visible results even after the first session. Teeth whitening with soda and peroxide is carried out in the same way as in the previous version, but the main thing to remember is that 1 tsp. soda is mixed with a 3% peroxide solution. This mixture is suitable for classic brushing. Duration - no more than 3 minutes.
- With lemon … This is a pretty effective recipe with tangible results, but there is some negative effect on enamel. To whiten teeth with soda and lemon, add a little lemon juice to 1 tablespoon of the powder. Apply the resulting mixture to the brush and thoroughly brush your teeth. Then rinse your mouth. This manipulation should not be repeated more often than once every 10 days. And if there are wounds or injuries in the mouth, you will have to give it up completely.
- With foil … This is an interesting and unusual way, but often not worth using. To whiten teeth with foil and baking soda, you will also need salt and toothpaste. Use the foil to create two “shapes” that can be used to cover the upper and lower teeth. Stir the paste, baking soda and salt in a 2: 1: 1 ratio, fill the molds with the mixture and secure them to your teeth. Leave in this state for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, rinse your mouth, and brush your teeth again. Bleaching them with soda and paste using foil is quite simple in a month. But first, it is recommended that you obtain permission from your doctor.
- With strawberry juice … Strawberry juice contributes to a more pronounced and lasting result. Before whitening teeth with baking soda, mix 1/2 teaspoon of the powder with a few pre-chopped strawberries. The mixture is evenly applied to the surface. After 5 minutes, the teeth are brushed with a fluoride paste, and the mouth is rinsed with cool water.
- With lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide … If you're wondering if baking soda can whiten your teeth, try a combination method that enhances the effect. In this case, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, the same amount of lemon juice and a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide are used. The recipe allows you to achieve a lasting result, but you need to be careful not to carry out the procedure more than 2 times every 10 days. It is also necessary to remember that with the combination of soda and lemon juice, salt is formed, which over time destroys the enamel. With a large amount of peroxide, whitening is faster, but the mixture has a negative effect and often causes a number of unpleasant consequences.
- With apple cider vinegar … The procedure is carried out quickly and easily, for this it is enough to mix all the ingredients in a small container, apply the resulting product to the enamel, wait 10 minutes and rinse your mouth. Also, don't forget to brush your teeth with toothpaste after bleaching with baking soda.
Read also about Teeth Whitening Technique with Tea Tree Oil.
Baking soda teeth whitening results
According to reviews, teeth whitening with baking soda is a fairly effective method, provided that all recommendations and procedures for the procedure are followed.
A more persistent and lasting effect can be achieved after the second or third session. Tooth enamel becomes lighter by 2-3 tones, but only after 2 courses with a break for several weeks.
To enhance the effect of teeth whitening with baking soda, you should take care of the oral cavity after the procedure with toothpastes with a high mineral content. It is better to choose those in which there is a large amount of fluoride, which protects the surface from aggressive effects and makes the teeth stronger.
After you have whitened your teeth with soda, you need to reconsider the diet. It is recommended to add foods with a high concentration of calcium and fluoride to the menu. It is worth giving up cigarettes, excessive consumption of tea and coffee, sour fruits and juices.
In addition, you need to more carefully monitor the state of the oral cavity, treat gum disease in time and eliminate emerging pathologies.
It is also recommended to take vitamin complexes. Especially when it comes to sensitive teeth or the presence of vitamin deficiency.
Note! To assess the result, how effective the procedure was, it is recommended to take a photo before and after teeth whitening with soda.
See also the results of teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide.
Real reviews of teeth whitening with soda
This technique of lightening tooth enamel was used by many at home, therefore, reviews of teeth whitening with soda are mostly positive.
Marina, 33 years old
I'm a terrible coffee lover, and I drink at least 3-5 cups of strong coffee every day. Over time, I began to notice that the teeth turned yellow and began to look not at all beautiful. There is no extra money to visit the dentist, so I decided to use folk methods and a recipe that includes soda. I chose the option where only toothpaste and powder are needed. The course was a month, and I performed 6 procedures. The enamel really brightened two tones.
Oleg, 36 years old
I quit smoking cigarettes 2 years ago, but the consequences remained. For example, yellow teeth. In this regard, I decided to use bleaching using soda and peroxide. I did not notice any particular result in the photo before and after teeth whitening with soda. On the contrary, allergies and bleeding appeared. I can't say anything good.
Daria, 25 years old
I believe that a snow-white smile is the key to success. My teeth are healthy, even and beautiful, but from frequent consumption of juices and tea they have become darker. I immediately decided to try the recipe for teeth whitening with soda and lemon juice, as I heard many positive reviews about this procedure. I spent 2 courses with a break for a month and a half and was quite satisfied. The teeth are really whiter. But now I drink less tea and coffee, use dental floss and rinse my mouth out after a meal.
How to whiten teeth with baking soda - watch the video:
