Can Baking Soda Damage Teeth?
Studies have shown that baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is not only effective but also one of the safest abrasives used as a dentifrice (powder or paste used for cleaning teeth). In fact, incorrect brushing techniques or the use of a hard-bristled brush pose a higher risk of enamel abrasion than baking soda.
Jump Ahead
- Abrasives Are Necessary for Cleaning Power
- Baking Soda: The Superior Choice
- Baking Soda: Less Abrasive Still Effective
- Baking Soda: Additional Teeth Benefits
- Dentifrice Recommendations Should Be Patient Specific
- References
Abrasives Are Necessary for Cleaning Power
Though toothpaste contains a variety of ingredients that work to keep the dentition healthy, such as ingredients to fight cavities, plaque, gingivitis, tartar, halitosis, sensitivity, and teeth whitening agents, a European study concluded that most of the cleaning achieved from toothpaste is through abrasion. [1]
The cleaning agents in toothpaste can work either chemically or mechanically. A chemical cleaning agent, for example, would be hydrogen peroxide, whereas a mechanical cleaning agent would be an abrasive such as calcium pyrophosphate. Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is both a chemical and mechanical cleaning agent [2]
The addition of abrasives to oral hygiene routines does more than remove stains for whiter teeth. Abrasives such as baking soda have also been shown to remove plaque accumulation and help prevent gum disease. [3]
Baking Soda: The Superior Choice
Three common categories of abrasives are most often added to toothpastes to boost their cleaning power—phosphates, carbonates, and silicas. [4] A toothpaste must contain enough abrasives to remove and help prevent staining without it being overly abrasive, resulting in tooth structure loss. This is where baking soda leads the pack. [5]
The Radioactive Dentin Abrasion (RDA) measures how abrasive a toothpaste is. The FDA sets the limit at 250, considering anything lower to be safe while still being effective. Most abrasives that are added to toothpaste have an RDA of 70-110. Baking soda has the lowest RDA of all abrasive additives at an RDA of 30-40. [6]
Baking Soda: Less Abrasive Still Effective
Baking soda removes stains from teeth through both mechanical and chemical actions. This means more cleaning power with the least abrasion.
A University of Rochester study found that when 100 adults used 52% and 65% sodium bicarbonate for six months, 50% realized a reduction in plaque, 70% in gingival inflammation, and 60% in staining. [7] Compared to calcium phosphate, a common toothpaste additive, baking soda’s mean abrasion ratio to cleaning power was 10:1 compared to 1:7 for calcium pyrophosphate. [8]
Baking Soda: Additional Teeth Benefits
For most people, the biggest culprit of enamel erosion is not found in the particular teeth cleaning method chosen but in the acidic foods they choose to eat. Acidic foods such as fruit juices, colas, and wine weigh heavily on tooth erosion. But here, again, is an additional benefit of baking soda. Brushing with baking soda will help to neutralize acids in the mouth. [9] In fact, baking soda helps to neutralize enamel-eroding acids so well that swishing with sodium bicarbonate is commonly recommended for patients with acid reflux, undergoing chemotherapy, or having morning sickness due to pregnancy.
The chemical reaction of baking soda with saliva has also been shown to positively change the oral microflora, inducing beneficial effects on plaque and surface stain accumulation. [10]
Dentifrice Recommendations Should Be Patient Specific
Something beneficial to some may not be beneficial to others. For example, suppose you already have erosion of the dentition. In that case, you must be very careful in the care and maintenance of your teeth to avoid increasing the risk of further abrasion. Your dentist is your best guide to choosing the optimal cleaning method for your teeth. [11]
References
- [1] Advances in Dental Research; Wülknitz P. “Cleaning power and abrasivity of European toothpastes,” 1997; Volume: 11; Pages: 576-579
- [2] [4] Dr. John Hefferren, Dr. Na Li, “Dentifrice Abrasives: Heroes or Villains.“
- [3][5][6][8][10]Dr. Fiona M. Collins, MBA, MA, “Treatment Options for Tooth Discoloration and Remineralization.”
- [7] Compendium in Continuing Education in Dentistry; Zambon JJ, Mather ML, Gonzales Y, “A microbiological and clinical study of the safety and efficacy of baking soda dentifrices,” 1998; 18:(Suppl. No. 21) 539–544
- [9] WebMD – “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth.“
- [11]Fiona M. Collins, BDS, MBA, MA, “Reflections on Dentifrice Ingredients, Benefits and Recommendations.“
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