Baking soda is used for many at home beauty and cleaning hacks, especially during lockdown. It is rumoured that baking soda brightens up yellow teeth, but what do the dental experts say? Express.co.uk spoke to renowned London-based dentist Dr Kamala Aydazada to find out if baking soda really does whiten your teeth.
Teeth whitening is extremly popular but also extremely pricey if you want it done professionally.
This has led to all sorts of makeshift hacks at home that could potentially be dangerous such as baking soda.
Dr Aydazada said: “It’s a known fact that popular media’s influence on social norms – with respect to people’s appearance, has played a massive part in the recent growth of cosmetic dentistry treatments.
“According to recent research, there’s been a 50 percent increase in the demand for teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments in the last five years in the UK.
“And it’s no wonder that these kinds of treatments and ‘looks’ are becoming even more sought after & desirable.
“Due to our current circumstances, there’s been an unprecedented rise in screen time and the use of video technology… which means people are spending longer hours staring at themselves on video calls on phone screens; as well as following others on social media, many of whom use “picture perfect” filters and Photoshop to enhance their profiles.
“For some, this may shift the balance between the virtual body image and the reality… leading to them resorting to drastic measures to achieve the results they want.”
READ MORE- How to brush your teeth – properly
Does baking soda whiten your teeth?
Baking soda does whiten your teeth, but it should never be used with liquid hydrogen.
Dr Aydazada said: “Whereas baking soda is an effective, minimally abrasive method of teeth whitening, combining it with liquid hydrogen peroxide is NOT recommended due to the serious damage it can inflict on the teeth.
“Being acidic in nature, hydrogen peroxide would soften enamel of the teeth, making it easier to then remove the healthy tooth structure by brushing it away with baking soda.
READ RELATED: The Best Early Labor Day Bedding Deals You Can Shop Right Now
“I would like to warn everyone against using such a mixture as it may cause an irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.”
DON’T MISS…
Best home teeth whitening kit: How to whiten teeth [EXPLAINER]
Dental hygiene: How to prevent tooth decay and enamel erosion [INSIGHT]
Dentists open: When are dentists opening again, can I book now? [INFORMER]
Is baking soda good for teeth?
As Dr Ayadaza said, baking soda is an effective and minimally abrasive method, but there are much safer ways to whiten teeth.
Reducing the amount of snacks you eat will whiten your teeth, since it limits the amount of food that can get stuck in your gums.
Limit the amount of coloured drinks (such as coffee, tea, red wine, fizzy drinks) that you consume, as these will stain the teeth.
Wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing your teeth after you eat.
Dr Ayazada recommends brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes twice a day using a vibrating and massaging motion. This will get rid of plaque buildup.
Using dental floss or interdental brushes will help you reach the areas your brush doesn’t get to.
Water flosser machines are an additional way to clean your teeth and gums.
Doing all of this will whiten your teeth and keep them healthy.
Source: Daily Express
