Baking Soda In Toothpaste: Side Effects & Considerations

A Deeper Dive into Baking Soda’s Role in Toothpastes

Let’s talk about baking soda, that ubiquitous ingredient found in many toothpaste brands. While it boasts a powerful cleaning ability and might be the star of your routine, there are some things to consider before you hop on the “baking soda toothpaste” bandwagon entirely.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural alkali with a well-documented history. Its versatility spans from baking cakes to deodorizing homes. In toothpaste, it contributes to its characteristic bubbly nature and cleans away surface grime.

However, the same properties that make baking soda effective in cleaning teeth can also create some unwanted side effects. This leads us to the question: what are those potential downsides? Let’s explore them.

The Potential Downside of Baking Soda: A Closer Look

Baking soda’s abrasive nature is its biggest obstacle, especially when it comes to long-term use in toothpaste. Regular brushing with baking soda toothpaste can lead to enamel erosion, the softening and demineralization of tooth enamel due to acid attacks.

This process happens because baking soda doesn’t just clean; it also removes calcium from your teeth. Calcium is essential for healthy teeth and their ability to resist acid attacks. When you use baking soda toothpaste for extended periods, this can be detrimental. It may cause sensitivity or even lead to long-term damage.

There’s a misconception that baking soda cleans better than regular toothpaste. While it has an inherent ability to remove stains, its abrasive nature creates friction and can wear down your enamel over time. This isn’t about removing tartar – this is about protecting the surface of your teeth.

The good news? Modern toothpastes incorporate ingredients like fluoride, calcium phosphate, and other buffering agents that help neutralize acids and remineralize enamel. These are specifically designed to counteract the abrasiveness of baking soda while still providing effective cleaning power.

However, those with sensitive teeth might experience increased sensitivity when using baking soda toothpaste because it can irritate the gums or the exposed dentin.

Baking Soda’s Side Effects: A Closer Look

Beyond enamel erosion and sensitivity, here are some other side effects to be aware of:

• Gum irritation: Some people find that baking soda toothpaste leads to gum irritation, especially those with pre-existing conditions. This is because the alkalinity can irritate delicate tissues.
• Dry mouth**: Baking soda’s ability to remove acids can also lead to dryness in your mouth. This dryness might exacerbate existing concerns or even trigger new ones (like morning breath).
• Acid reflux and heartburn: While baking soda is generally considered safe for teeth, some individuals may experience an increase in acid reflux and heartburn when using it in toothpaste. This is because the alkalinity can impact your stomach’s natural pH balance.