Not many people are blessed with naturally white and bright teeth. Even though the enamel covering the teeth is very resilient, the teeth are not resistant to stains. Discoloration of the teeth, when the color changes from brightly white into not-so-bright yellow, gray or brown, is a process associated with many different factors.
Smoking, drinking coffee, black tea and sodas, certain foods, even some medications, such as tetracycline, are major factors for teeth discoloration. Naturally, everyone wants to have a bright smile and there are several ways to achieve that. Some methods, like bleaching at the dentist’s office, are more expensive than others. There are also whitening strips, special toothpastes and various over-the-counter remedies, but there are also those that are available for everyone and very cheap. One of them is baking soda.
Baking soda for teeth whitening
Most of the methods for whitening the teeth usually involve some kind of oxidizing agents. Hydrogen peroxide, for example, oxidizes the stains on the teeth and makes them less visible. Baking soda can be used for the same purpose. This powder is able to reach all the cracks and crevices on the teeth and clean them effectively. Baking soda also fights the bacteria on and around teeth and helps against plaque too.
Considering all this, it is no wonder that baking soda is one of the ingredients in many commercial toothpastes. Those who prefer the do-it-yourself approach can use one of the recipes for whitening the teeth at home, using baking soda.
Recipes for teeth whitening with baking soda
Baking soda can be used in form of a plain powder, mixed with water to make a paste, added to regular toothpaste or mixed with other beneficial ingredients.
One great way to use baking soda for teeth whitening is to combine a very small amount of 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda powder, making a thick paste. This paste should be used like normal toothpaste for brushing the teeth. The paste should never be swallowed.
Baking soda can also be combined with table salt and some water. This is a very powerful combination for removing stains and discoloration from the teeth.
Those who are looking to solve the problem with bad breath along with stained teeth should try a home-made solution based on baking soda and peppermint. It is made by mixing five teaspoons of baking soda powder with three teaspoons of glycerin and a few drops of peppermint extract or essential oil. The ingredients are mixed well and used for brushing the teeth on daily basis.
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