Understanding Baking Soda for Teeth Side Effects

May 30, 2025

Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda: Does It Really Whiten or Just Wear You Down?

Baking soda—also known as sodium bicarbonate—is one of those classic home remedies that seems to do it all. Need a leavening agent? Check. Cleaner for your kitchen sink? Absolutely. Natural whitening for your smile? Sort of.

Brushing teeth with baking soda has been popular for decades thanks to its gritty texture and ability to remove surface stains. But before you start swapping your regular toothpaste for a baking soda paste, let’s talk about what it can actually do—and what it can’t.

The Benefits of Baking Soda for Teeth

Baking soda toothpaste is often promoted for its natural whitening properties. And yes, baking soda whitens teeth a little—thanks to its mild abrasive texture, which can remove plaque and surface stains from your enamel. Used occasionally, it may also help neutralize acidic conditions in the mouth, which can freshen breath and support better oral hygiene overall.

Some of the benefits of baking soda include:

Helping reduce plaque buildup and plaque formation
Creating an alkaline solution that discourages oral bacteria
Freshening bad breath
Removing minor stains on the outer layer of the teeth

But Here’s What Baking Soda Can’t Do

While brushing with baking soda might clean teeth and offer a temporary whitening effect, it’s not a substitute for real whitening agents or a balanced toothpaste. Here’s where it falls short:

Baking soda lacks fluoride, which is essential to help prevent cavities and protect against tooth decay
It doesn’t help strengthen tooth enamel the way fluoride toothpaste does
It won’t remove deep stains below the surface
Used too aggressively, it can damage enamel and irritate gums

The American Dental Association (ADA) doesn’t recommend using baking soda alone as a replacement for standard toothpaste, especially since brushing teeth with baking soda too frequently may cause more harm than good. And no, mixing it with lemon juice doesn’t help—acid + abrasion = major enamel erosion.

The Risks of Using Baking Soda Alone

Relying on baking soda alone as your go-to whitening solution can lead to:

Increased risk of dental cavities due to lack of fluoride
Gritty texture that can scratch and weaken enamel with improper use
Salty taste and chalky feel that might not rinse away easily
Ineffective results on deep stains or discoloration

Some users even report sensitivity or gum discomfort, especially if they brush too hard or too often. And since many commercial toothpastes with baking soda still include fluoride, going totally DIY with baking soda paste could leave you more vulnerable to gum disease and decay.

Why Whitening Strips Work Better

If your goal is real teeth whitening—not just brushing and hoping—hydrogen peroxide-based whitening agents are far more effective. Unlike baking soda, they actually target deep stains inside the enamel, where discoloration lives.

Vacay Whitening Strips are designed for just that:

Powered by hydrogen peroxide (like your dentist uses)
Enamel-safe and free of the harsh abrasives found in many soda toothpaste options
Infused with essential oils and our VitalNourish™ Blend to soothe and protect

It’s whitening power that’s easy to use at home—without the guesswork or gritty feel.

What to Know Before Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda

Using baking soda for teeth might sound like a clean alternative, but the truth is: it’s not enough. Yes, it can remove plaque and reduce some stains. But it won’t protect against cavities, strengthen enamel, or safely whiten teeth over time.

If you want results you can actually see—and feel good about—skip the baking soda alone approach. Reach for a whitening solution that’s designed to work with your enamel, not against it.

✨ Vacay Whitening Strips give you the glow-up without the downside. Just brush gently with your regular toothpaste, apply a strip, and smile boldly.

Sources:

https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30812-7/fulltext

https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30822-X/fulltext

https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/toothpaste/baking-soda-for-brushing-teeth-pros-cons

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850485/

https://www.teethtalkgirl.com/dental-health/whitening-teeth-with-baking-soda/

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