Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda teeth whitening recipe

If your smile isn't as bright as it should be, you may wonder how to whiten your teeth with baking soda or peroxide. Let's examine the process and limitations of baking soda teeth whitening. 

How can I whiten my teeth with baking soda at home?

The process of using baking soda to whiten teeth is rather simple. You simply make a paste out of a teaspoon of baking soda and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, and then gently brush your teeth as you would with traditional toothpaste. When you are done, rinse your mouth with water.

It's best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with this method, as baking soda is abrasive and can damage tooth enamel if used incorrectly. According to Healthline, it's that abrasiveness that can whiten your teeth. They explain "Baking soda is a mild abrasive. While the American Dental Association (ADA) considers baking soda safe for your enamel and dentin, some researchers have given it a low rating as a teeth whitener because it may not remove stains as effectively as some other products."

Not only does it not remove all stains, but baking soda can cause damage to your enamel that may cause bigger problems in the future. CNN says:

"Baking soda could erode the tooth's surface enamel over time. Enamel is like the finished surface of a floor: It's a thin, hard outer layer that protects each tooth. When enamel is worn away by an irritant, such as salt, decay can occur as bacteria in plaque are able to penetrate teeth more quickly, where they produce acids that can lead to cavities."

What can I use instead of baking soda to whiten my teeth?

It is generally recommended to use toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association. If you desire more whitening than regular toothpaste can offer, you may consider an ADA-approved whitening toothpaste. That way you can be confident that it is good for your oral health, and likely better for your teeth than a home remedy.

If you have more severe tooth discoloration, you may want to investigate other ADA-approved teeth whitening products or discuss whitening treatment with your dentist.

Very little can compare to professional tooth whitening when it comes to results.

At Smiles of Cary, our teeth whitening process starts with the application of protective gel over gums. Next, we apply whitening agents that commonly contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These peroxides enter the porous enamel layer and undergo oxidation that clears the stains on your teeth. The whitening gel is applied over the tooth surface and a bright light is shined over the teeth to accelerate the oxidation process.

In just about an hour, your teeth will be whiter and your smile brighter.

Looking for a dentist in Cary, NC? Browse our different dental services to learn more about tooth whitening and more today!

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Having white teeth can be a major confidence boost. Fortunately, you may not need to spend lots of money on whitening kits or professional treatments. Brushing or rinsing with baking soda could help whiten your teeth, but be aware you should use it carefully. To prevent dental erosion, brush with baking soda in moderation and avoid using too much force. Bear in mind discoloration may point to dental issues, so try to see a dentist if you haven't had a checkup in a while.

1. 

   1

   Mix baking soda and water. In a small cup, mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon (1½ to 3g) of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. A paste of about 2 parts of baking soda mixed with 1 part of water is easier to apply and more effective than baking soda alone.[1]

   • Avoid making a paste with baking soda and lemon, strawberry, or any other fruit juice. Fruit juices are acidic and could erode your teeth's enamel, especially when combined with baking soda or other abrasive products.[2]

2. 

   2

   Brush your teeth with the baking soda paste for 1 to 2 minutes. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the paste, and gently scrub your teeth using circular motions. Brush all around instead of scrubbing 1 spot for the entire 2 minutes. Be sure not to brush hard or you might hurt your teeth.[3]

   • Alternatively, use your fingertips to gently rub your teeth with the paste. Rub in soft circles, and don’t use too much force.
   • If you have receding gums, avoid brushing the base of your teeth and around your gum line with baking soda. The substance that covers your teeth below the gums is softer than enamel and prone to damage.[4]

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3. 

   3

   Rinse out your mouth when you’re finished brushing. After brushing for 2 minutes, spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Give your toothbrush a thorough rinse as well.

   • Note that you shouldn’t rinse after brushing with fluoride toothpaste, as rinsing reduces fluoride’s beneficial effects. For this reason, don’t brush or rinse with baking soda right after brushing with regular toothpaste. If you need to rinse away visible residue after using regular toothpaste, use as little water as possible.[5]

4. 

   4

   Repeat every other day for up to 2 weeks. At most, brush your teeth with baking soda paste every other day for 1 to 2 weeks. Then cut back to doing it just once or twice a week. Since it’s abrasive, using baking soda more frequently may damage your teeth.[6]

   • Keep in mind that brushing your teeth with baking soda should not replace brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups are the best ways to keep your teeth healthy.
   • Before brushing with baking soda, check with your dentist to see if your teeth are healthy enough for this method. Your teeth may be sensitive to abrasion, and baking soda may cause irreversible dental erosion.

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1. 

   1

   Mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide may whiten teeth, but you need to use it with caution. To try this method, mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Brush your teeth with the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse with water.[7]

   • Make sure you use hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% or less. Brush with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda once a week at most.
   • Stop brushing and rinse your mouth with cool water if you feel a burning sensation. Don’t use this method if you have receding or sensitive gums, as hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and damage exposed roots.[8]

   Safety tip: It's important to rinse out your mouth thoroughly after using hydrogen peroxide. Even diluted solutions can cause vomiting and stomach upset if ingested. Additionally, any residue left behind could bleach your teeth and lead to uneven whitening.

2. 

   2

   Brush your teeth with a mix of baking soda and fluoride toothpaste. Squeeze your regular toothpaste onto your toothbrush, then sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on top. Brush your teeth as you normally would for 2 minutes with soft, circular motions. Then spit and, if you need to rinse away white residue, swish your mouth with a little water.[9]

   • As with a baking soda and water paste, brush with baking soda and toothpaste in moderation. Try it every other day for 1 to 2 weeks at first, then brush with baking soda once or twice a week at most.
   • You can also purchase a toothpaste that already contains baking soda. In the United States, look for a product that carries the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance, and use it as directed.[10]
   • If you have sensitive teeth or dental erosion, avoid using toothpaste that contains baking soda or is branded as whitening products.[11]

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   Gargle with a baking soda and water rinse. Combine 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda and 1 cup (240 mL) of water in a glass, then stir the mixture until the baking soda is evenly distributed. Take a sip, gargle for about 30 seconds, then spit out the mixture. Repeat the steps until you’ve finished the entire glass.[12]

   • The baking soda rinse won't erode your teeth, so it's safe to gargle with it daily.
   • Gargling with a baking soda rinse whitens your teeth indirectly. Baking soda neutralizes acids, so it helps fight dental erosion caused by acidic foods and beverages. It can also help fight bacteria that cause decay and promote good bacteria that create a protective layer on your teeth.[13]

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Add New Question

• Question

  What if it doesn't work? Is there any other alternative?

  

  Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

  

  Doctor of Dental Surgery

  Expert Answer

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  If it doesn’t work at all (which is less likely), you will need a professional whitening treatment performed in a dental office under the guidance of an experienced dentist. Ask your dentist to do a tailored whitening, which consists of applying the gel on areas where whitening has not been complete.

• Question

  How many times a day can it be done?

  

  Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

  

  Doctor of Dental Surgery

  Expert Answer

  Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

  No more than once a day and no longer than two weeks in a row. Stop the procedure for one week and repeat if necessary. Avoiding colored foods and drinks will help you keep a longer result. Remember that you must also do regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

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• Avoid brushing your gums with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.

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• Remember not to brush with a mix of baking soda and lemon juice or other acidic substances.

  <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

• Don't brush a single area of your mouth for too long. Divide 1 to 1 ½ minute evenly among your top teeth, then brush your bottom teeth for a total of 1 to 1 ½ minute.

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• See a dentist if you’re concerned about whitening your teeth. Stains or discoloration may be signs of problems that require professional dental care.[14]

  <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

• Don’t brush your teeth with baking soda or abrasive toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth, which may indicate dental erosion. Brushing with abrasive products will just make matters worse.[15]

  <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

• Avoid brushing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide if you have braces or a permanent retainer.[16]

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• To prevent uneven coloration or damage to your dental work, don’t use hydrogen peroxide or at-home bleaching kits if you have crowns, caps, or veneers.[17]

  <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

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Article SummaryX

To whiten your teeth with baking soda, first mix together 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water to form a paste. Then, gently brush your teeth with the paste for 1-2 minutes. Rinse out your mouth with water when you’re finished. Repeat every other day for up to 2 weeks, then cut back to once or twice a week for the best results. Alternatively, brush your teeth with 2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1 part baking soda a few times per week. Either way, make sure you continue brushing your teeth with toothpaste twice a day to keep them clean and healthy. Check with your dentist before brushing with baking soda to make sure it’s right for your teeth. Baking soda may be too abrasive if you have sensitive teeth. For more advice from our Dental co-author, like how to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, scroll down!

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