February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The National Children’s Dental Health Month is a…
Is Baking Soda Toothpaste the Right Kind for You?
Choosing the right toothpaste can be difficult these days. One option that has become popular over the past few years is toothpaste containing baking soda. Some people prefer a healthier natural alternative to toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste has been linked to strengthening enamel, but some people prefer to use toothpaste without it. There are toothpastes that contain baking soda and fluoride that can give you the whitening power as well as enamel protection.
The Benefits of Baking Soda Toothpaste
Although baking soda is thought to be too abrasive to some people, it has actually been used to clean teeth for 150 years. The FDA regulations require a toothpaste to be tested for its relative dentin abrasivity. This test requires the testing of a toothpaste in a machine that brushes a tooth for 1500 strokes. The results showed that the proper use of baking soda toothpaste is actually no more abrasive than the brands without it.
Baking soda toothpaste also creates a better pH level in the mouth than the traditional alternative. It also will dislodge plaque that has built up on your teeth. Baking soda is mildly alkaline by nature. When it is dissolved in water, it releases free radicals that interact with the stain molecules on the enamel of your teeth. This breaks down the stains on your teeth leaving them white and shiny.
The alkaline also neutralizes acidic bacteria that causes bad breath. Baking soda toothpaste has many great benefits, but it also comes with a few precautions as well. It is not recommended to use toothpaste with baking soda if you wear braces. It can loosen the orthodontic glue attached to your teeth. Although baking soda is a wonderful ingredient in toothpaste, it is not recommended to use just baking soda instead of toothpaste.
Results May Vary
There are many positive effects from using baking soda toothpaste, but it may not be the right toothpaste for everyone. Always follow the directions on the packaging when trying a new toothpaste. If you have sensitive gums, the baking soda may irritate your mouth. If you have any adverse reactions, discontinue use. We are always glad to answer any questions you may have about which toothpaste to choose so feel free to ask at your next visit!
Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998.
Dr. David Cole is a graduate from the University of Arkansas, receiving his degree in 2016, and is a huge Razorback fan! He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee where he received his D.D.S. in 2021. He looks forward to getting to know the Central Arkansas area, and serving his community!
Dr. Rasmussen is a Hot Springs native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 (Go Bears). After receiving his D.D.S from The University of Tennessee in 2021, he is looking forward to serving the central Arkansas community and the wonderful people who live here.
Dr. James Cooper was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He studied at the University of New Mexico and graduated from dental school from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. After 2 years of dental experience with the Army, Dr. Cooper moved to Jacksonville in 1973 to practice dentistry.