How to Whiten Teeth With Baking Soda

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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.

Whitening Teeth with Baking Soda and Peroxide

Make your own toothpaste with 2 parts baking soda with 1 part 1–3% hydrogen peroxide. Brush your teeth with the paste for 1–2 minutes, and then rinse your mouth with water. Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide once a week at most to whiten your teeth.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Brushing with a Baking Soda Paste

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  1. 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. 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. 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.
  4. 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. [5]
    • 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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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Trying Alternative Methods

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  1. 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. [6]
    • 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. [7]

    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. 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. [8]
    • 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. [9]
    • If you have sensitive teeth or dental erosion, avoid using toothpaste that contains baking soda or is branded as whitening products. [10]
  3. 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. [11]
    • 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. [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What if it doesn't work? Is there any other alternative?
    Cristian Macau, DDS
    Doctor of Dental Surgery
    Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.
    Cristian Macau, DDS
    Doctor of Dental Surgery
    Expert Answer
    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.
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  • Question
    How many times a day can it be done?
    Cristian Macau, DDS
    Doctor of Dental Surgery
    Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.
    Cristian Macau, DDS
    Doctor of Dental Surgery
    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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      Tips

      • 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.
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      • 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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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Gargle with baking soda rinses to fight acid erosion. The alkaline baking soda neutralizes damaging mouth acids left by foods and drinks. Daily gargling promotes tooth protection.
      • Check on dental health before using baking soda. See your dentist to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for abrasive baking soda if you have concerns.
      • Use baking soda paste sparingly at first to avoid gum irritation. Start with every other day applications for 1-2 weeks. Frequency depends on gum sensitivity.
      • Gauge baking soda ratio carefully when mixing. Too much abrasive baking soda risks eroding enamel. Find the right balance for your teeth through practice.
      • Mix baking soda with regular toothpaste when brushing. Using toothpaste with baking soda already added reduces measuring. Apply as normal for 2 minutes.
      • Rinse mouth thoroughly after using baking soda mixes. Residue left from abrasive baking soda or acidic fruit juices could lead to uneven whitening.
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      Warnings

      • See a dentist if you’re concerned about whitening your teeth. Stains or discoloration may be signs of problems that require professional dental care. [13]
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      • 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. [14]
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      • Avoid brushing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide if you have braces or a permanent retainer. [15]
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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. [16]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30811-5/fulltext
      2. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/natural-teeth-whitening/
      3. ↑ https://now.tufts.edu/articles/what-causes-discolored-teeth-and-there-any-way-cure-or-prevent-staining
      4. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-whiten-teeth/
      5. ↑ https://now.tufts.edu/articles/what-causes-discolored-teeth-and-there-any-way-cure-or-prevent-staining
      6. ↑ https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30811-5/fulltext
      7. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/patients-families/health-matters/june-2016/diy-teeth-whitening-too-good-to-be-true.aspx
      8. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29056186/
      9. ↑ https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance
      1. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-erosion
      2. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-erosion
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sore-throat-remedies-that-actually-work/
      4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10958-tooth-discoloration
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10899-teeth-retainer
      7. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/healthy.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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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