Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is commonly known for it uses to clean. Many tooth pastes incorporate baking soda since it has several uses in oral health to help improve and protect your smile.
Here are some of the ways baking soda can benefit your oral health.
Reduces the Acidity and Plaque in your Mouth
If your stomach produces a lot of acid, then the acidity in your mouth is too high which can lead to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity and tooth decay. Baking soda is alkaline, therefore in an acidic environment, it can neutralize the pH in your mouth and increase the pH. Baking soda will not only prevent tooth decay but also helps remineralize your enamel.
Baking soda also reduces plaque buildup by neutralizing plaque acids. Many kinds of toothpaste contain baking soda to help clean teeth more effectively and protect against plaque.
Helps to Whiten your Teeth
One of the most significant benefits of baking soda is its ability to whiten teeth. Baking soda has a low level of abrasiveness and can remove stains from the surface of your teeth. You can enjoy the whitening benefits of baking soda by using toothpaste with baking soda as a listed ingredient. Or, you can simply add a little bit of baking soda on your tooth brush and brush your teeth with it twice a day.
Fights Bacteria in your mouth
Baking soda has antibacterial properties by reducing the accumulation of plaque and bacteria in your mouth, hence preventing gum disease.
Soothes Mouth Sores and Ulcers
Mouth sours can be painful especially with acidic food or drinks. Using baking soda will increase the pH in your mouth and help speed up healing. To soothe mouth ulcers simply mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and rinse your mouth twice a day.
Incorporating baking soda in your oral hygiene has several benefits. However, you shouldn’t replace toothpaste with baking soda, since tooth paste has fluoride, essential to prevent tooth decay.