Baking Soda Toothpaste: What Science Says

Does Baking Soda Actually Whiten Teeth?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a simple chemical compound. It's made of sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion.

It is a white solid crystalline material but often appears as a fine powder.¹ Baking soda is versatile and used for many at-home and beauty needs, including teeth whitening.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive and effectively removes surface stains from the teeth. 

Many commercial toothpastes contain baking soda. It is often used in at-home teeth whitening as a simple paste made of just baking soda and water.

Is it Safe to Use Baking Soda Toothpaste?

Baking soda can be found in many types of toothpaste. It is used because it can neutralize acids in the mouth and remove surface stains.

Baking soda is recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What Does Research Say About Brushing Teeth With Baking Soda?

Research shows that brushing teeth with baking soda effectively helps with:

• Teeth stain removal
• Plaque removal
• Harmful bacteria reduction^2,3

Several studies have also shown that baking soda is just as effective in stain removal and whitening than some non–baking soda—containing toothpaste. ⁴

Another 2019 study found that brushing teeth with baking soda reduced cavity-causing harmful bacteria in the mouth.⁵

How Fast Does Baking Soda Toothpaste Whiten Teeth?

Most users see less plaque and, in turn, whiter-looking teeth after approximately four weeks of consistent use of baking soda toothpaste.

How Often Should You Use Baking Soda Toothpaste? 

Baking soda toothpaste is safe to use twice daily. However, people with sensitive teeth should gradually increase their use of baking soda toothpaste.  

Generally, baking soda is not abrasive enough to harm teeth or cause dental damage when used regularly. However, if you develop sensitivity you should stop using it.

Some dentists and researchers caution against the overuse of baking soda toothpaste. In some cases, the use of baking soda can cause microfractures and scratches in the tooth enamel.

This weakens your tooth enamel's structure. Weakened enamel may make teeth more susceptible to staining and make them more yellow and brittle over time.^6,7

People with sensitive teeth should use caution when using baking soda toothpaste and ask their dentist before using it.

Pros and Cons of Baking Soda Toothpaste 

Baking soda toothpaste offers many positive benefits to users.

The pros of baking soda toothpaste include:

• It’s cost-effective
• It’s antibacterial
• It Reduces the risk of fluoride toxicity
• It removes plaque biofilm
• It doesn't harm the environment

Despite these benefits, baking soda toothpaste does have some downsides.

The cons of baking soda toothpaste include:

• Less dramatic whitening (it doesn't remove intrinsic staining)
• Less cavity protection
• Unpleasant taste and texture
• It can cause sensitivity

3 Best Baking Soda Toothpaste Brands

Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening

Best Overall (Editor’s Choice)

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Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening baking soda toothpaste offers the following benefits:

• Defense against stains
• Cavity protection
• Advanced Whitening
• Low-abrasion formula 

Colgate Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Bubbles Toothpaste

Best Overall: Runner Up

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Colgate’s Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Bubbles Toothpaste offers the following benefits:

• Long-lasting cooling effect
• Deep cleaning action
• Prevents tartar buildup

Tea Tree Therapy Toothpaste with Baking Soda

Best for Bad Breath

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Tea Tree Therapy Toothpaste with Baking Soda boasts the following benefits:

• Natural antiseptic properties
• Natural ingredients
• Safe for sensitive teeth and gums