A beautiful set of pearly white teeth can make you look younger, and give you a huge boost in self-confidence. While cosmetic teeth whitening in a dental practice can set you back a large chunk of money, there is an easier and more cost-effective way you can whiten your teeth at home using a few simple ingredients from your kitchen cupboards. Read on to find out how to effectively whiten teeth with baking soda at home.
How to Whiten Teeth With Baking Soda
To whiten your teeth at home, you will need baking soda (also known as bicarbonate of soda, a lemon, a toothbrush and a paper towel. Make sure that you use high-quality baking soda that is food-grade.
First, you will need to dry your teeth using the paper towel. Pour a tablespoon of baking soda int a cup, and then squeeze a few drops of the fresh lemon into the baking soda, and stir it to create a paste. The paste should fizz up slightly, which indicates that it is ready to use. Then dip your toothbrush into the paste brush it directly onto the teeth.
Ensure that you get all teeth evenly and then leave the mixture on for 30 seconds to a minute. Avoid getting the paste on the lips, as this can cause a slight burning sensation. After the right length time has passed, you can rinse with water and then brush the teeth with your usual toothpaste.
Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?
Yes, absolutely. You only have to look at before and after photos of people who have been treating their teeth with the baking soda and lemon solution to see what a difference it can make. The reason it works so well is that the baking soda acts as an abrasive, and when it is combined with the acidic lemon juice it helps to remove stains that are built up from coffee, drinking, and smoking.
Because the solution is abrasive, it is suggested that you only complete this treatment once or twice a week at the maximum. Any more than that and it can start to wear away at your tooth enamel. You should stop this treatment if you feel any tooth sensitivity at all. Also, make sure that you don’t confuse baking soda with baking powder, as it is not the same thing. Baking soda is available to purchase in most supermarkets and online.
When whitening your teeth with baking soda, it is a wise idea to take a picture of your teeth and then another a month later so that you can compare the results. Follow the above instructions and you will be sure to improve your smile, without having to splash the cash.
How Long Does It Take For Baking Soda To Whiten Teeth?
You should start seeing results after a couple of weeks of regular brushing. However, it is an abrasive process and should not be continued on a regular basis. After you see some initial results, reduce your brushing with baking soda to once or twice per week to limit the potential damage to your teeth. Using baking soda isn’t the best way to give you a brighter smile. We would typically recommend professional teeth whitening from a professional dentist in order to see the best results.