A supplement to The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) summarized research on the effects of baking soda on oral health and found that: It's low-abrasive and safe for daily use.
Soothes Canker Sores
Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the pain. You can make a banking soda rinse by mixing baking soda with water and rinsing your mouth with it at least thrice a day until the sores heal.
If a large amount of baking soda is ingested, expect vomiting and diarrhea quickly after the ingestion because it raises the sodium levels in the body. Too much sodium in the body can lead to serious symptoms.
Baking soda is alkaline, so it can help regulate your mouth's PH by neutralizing the acidity. As such, baking soda not only prevents tooth decay but also helps remineralize your enamel. Baking soda can also limit plaque buildup by neutralizing plaque acids.
Baking soda has been shown to help kill bacteria that leads to gum disease and has contributed to better gum health when used without bleaching products. Baking soda helps break up biofilm that irritates the gums and is useful for removing superficial stains.
The salt can quickly reduce inflammation and swelling. You may also choose to replace salt with baking soda. Baking soda can kill bacteria, so it could be good if your sore throat is due to a bacterial infection such as strep.
In too large a dose, baking soda is also poisonous. This is due to the powder's high sodium content. When someone takes too much sodium bicarbonate, the body tries to correct the balance of salt by drawing water into the digestive system. This causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Baking soda is a much less abrasive way to remove plaque (remember, our toothpastes remove up to 5X more plaque in hard to reach places!) than brushing with non-baking soda toothpastes — for a safer way to prevent enamel damage.
The Disadvantages And Risks Of Using Baking Soda
It can damage the enamel which may cause the teeth to become more sensitive than they should be to hot or cold temperatures, and it can also make brushing your teeth by itself painful. Damage to the enamel can also make the teeth more likely to attract cavities.
Can I mix baking soda with my toothpaste? Yes, you can, and you should. It is far better since you benefit from fluoride and cleansing agents in the toothpaste and the benefits of baking soda. It is also more palatable.
To Fix Dry Mouth, Make Your Own Mouthwash
Hou suggests making your own mouthwash out of salt and baking soda to alleviate dry mouth. The combination of water, salt, and baking soda mimics our saliva. Blend 1 cup of warm water with ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ⅛ teaspoon salt.
Gently brush all around your mouth, hitting each tooth. Do not scrub too hard or use too much force. After two minutes, spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash. Rinse your toothbrush as well.
Adults and teenagers—3.9 to 10 grams (1 to 2½ teaspoonfuls) in a glass of cold water after meals. However, the dose is usually not more than 19.5 grams (5 teaspoonfuls) a day.
Chew sugar-free gum.
Another neat trick to balancing out bad habits is immediately after consuming a beverage or food in its entirety, follow it up with sugar-free gum or gum that contains a plant-based sugar called xylitol. It will increase saliva production, which is the strongest natural way to raise a low pH.
Anything with deep grooves or cracks. Baking soda leaves behind a white, dusty residue after it dries. Therefore, you should never use it to clean surfaces with deep grooves or cracks because the residue will get left behind and can build up.
People who already have high levels of sodium in the blood should avoid sodium bicarbonate. High blood pressure: Sodium bicarbonate might increase blood pressure. People who already have high blood pressure should avoid sodium bicarbonate.
Use natural alternatives whenever possible to help your liver. Good non-toxic cleaning products include sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and ordinary white vinegar. Wash fruits and vegetables carefully, and choose organics if you can.
Baking soda also soothes the throat, breaks up mucus and can help with throat-irritating acid reflux.
An antibiotic is a type of medicine that kills the bacteria that cause an infection. Penicillin and amoxicillin are common antibiotics healthcare providers use to treat strep throat. If you're allergic to penicillin, the provider can prescribe another antibiotic.
Just as an excess of it may wear out your enamel, similarly, if you do not use the abrasive properties of baking soda consciously, it can cause problems with gums.
Baking Soda and Peroxide
If the peroxide is too strong, it may irritate your teeth and gums. And the baking soda, which is a little harsh, can wear down enamel (the hard outside part of your teeth).