How to Whiten Teeth with Baking Soda: 7 Methods

Looking for a way to naturally whiten teeth without the harmful side effects? Try baking soda. 

Baking soda is a household staple found in many people’s cabinets. It’s used for a variety of chores like baking, scrubbing, and cleaning. Baking soda is universally used because it possesses natural whitening properties that are effective at fighting stains — even on your teeth! 

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to whiten your teeth at home, many people will try to whiten their teeth with baking soda. However, just like with most things, there is a right way and a wrong way to use it. 

To help, we explore how to whiten teeth with baking soda the right way — including seven different methods you can try at home.

How Exactly Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?

There isn’t a library of research to back up the effects of baking soda on tooth stains, however, some studies state that it’s effective and safe for tooth stain removal and whitening. 

Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate. It’s made up of chemical compounds that serve as an abrasive — making it beneficial for removing plaque and stain build-up. Because baking soda is salty and alkaline, it’s effective at lightening extrinsic stains caused by acidic foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, and tea. Baking soda is effective at killing bacteria in the mouth and can even help freshen breath. Many types of toothpaste today contain high concentrations of baking soda for that reason. 

While baking soda has the potential to remove stains from teeth, it’s only effective at removing surface stains. If you’re looking to remove deeper tooth discoloration and bacteria, you’ll need to use more powerful teeth whitening products.

7 Different Ways to Whiten Teeth with Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used in conjunction with other common household items like lemon juice, coconut oil, and more. If you’re interested in using baking soda to whiten teeth, try out one of the methods below. Make sure to only use these methods periodically — they should not replace your regular oral hygiene routine.

1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide may sound like a dangerous chemical, but it’s actually safe for teeth whitening. It’s a bleaching agent that’s present in most teeth-whitening products because it can help kill bacteria in the mouth. Using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together can be a one-two punch for fighting the stains on your teeth. 

To use this method, follow the steps below: 

1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to make a paste.
2. Put the paste on your toothbrush and brush your teeth for two minutes.
3. When done, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.
4. Do this twice a week for 8–10 weeks for the best results.

2. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another item bound to be in your home! Lemon juice has a citric acid which is a natural bleaching agent. Mix this with the baking soda and you have a simple, yet effective whitening paste. 

To use baking soda and lemon juice, follow the steps below:

1. Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one tablespoon of baking soda to make a paste. 
2. Put the paste on your toothbrush and gently massage your teeth in a circular motion for two minutes. 
3. Rinse mouth well. 
4. Do this every two to three months for best results.

3. Strawberries and Baking Soda

While there are certain foods that cause stains on teeth, strawberries can actually help remove them. The ascorbic acid in strawberries serves as a decent whitening agent that can help lighten surface-level stains. Because this method involves acid, it should only be used once every two weeks. 

To use strawberries and baking soda, follow the steps below: 

1. Mash two to three strawberries in a bowl.
2. Pour in one tablespoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix the ingredients into a paste. 
4. Brush your teeth with this paste for one to two minutes. 
5. Rinse your mouth with water to get all the paste off. 
6. Do this once every two weeks for two to three months.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Similar to baking soda, apple cider vinegar is a common household staple used for a variety of things including cleaning, cooking, and brushing teeth. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar acts as a bacteria-killing agent that can help whiten teeth. Because apple cider vinegar is so acidic, make sure to rinse your mouth out well after use. If used too often, the acid can irritate tooth enamel. 

To use this method, follow the steps below:

1. Mix equal parts baking soda and apple cider vinegar to make a paste. 
2. Use the paste to brush your teeth for one to two minutes. 
3. Rinse mouth thoroughly. 
4. Do this once every few months.

5. Baking Soda and Toothpaste

If your toothpaste doesn’t already contain baking soda, you can add some for a whitening effect. This might be the safest at-home teeth-whitening solution. The fluoride in your toothpaste helps protect against cavities or enamel damage, and the abrasiveness of baking soda can help remove stains.

Here’s how to use this method:

1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of toothpaste.
2. Use the paste to brush your teeth for two minutes. 
3. Rinse your mouth well. 
4. Do this one to two times per week for best results.

6. Coconut Oil and Baking Soda

Another household item boasted for its health benefits, coconut oil contains something called lauric acid — an agent believed to break down bacteria in your mouth. Coconut oil is often used for a natural whitening method called oil pulling, but it can also be mixed with baking soda for brushing.

To use coconut oil and baking soda, follow the steps below:

1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of coconut oil to make a paste (it may help to melt the oil in the microwave beforehand). 
2. Use this paste to brush your teeth for about two minutes. 
3. Rinse your mouth well with warm water. 
4. Do this two to three times per week for a few months.

7. Baking Soda and Water

If you don’t have any of the above ingredients, you can mix baking soda with water. This is the simplest way to use baking soda as a teeth whitener. 

To use this method, follow the steps below: 

1. Combine one tablespoon of baking soda with water to make a paste. 
2. Use the paste on your toothbrush and brush for roughly two minutes. 
3. Rinse your mouth out with water. 
4. Do this once a week for two to three months.

How Long Does it Take to See Results? 

Depending on the method you choose, results can be seen in just a few weeks. However, more dramatic results can be seen in one to two months. It’s important to remember that baking soda should not be used on your teeth every day. Make sure to follow the steps above and only use each method a couple of times a week.

Is It Safe to Whiten Teeth with Baking Soda? 

When used excessively most products will have side effects, and baking soda is no exception. If you use baking soda on your teeth continually or too much, it could damage the enamel on your teeth. Unlike most kinds of toothpaste, baking soda doesn’t have fluoride — an ingredient that strengthens teeth. If you have braces, don’t use baking soda as it will soften the braces glue. 

If you’re going to use baking soda, it’s very important that you use it the right way following the steps above. If your gums start to feel irritated, stop and go back to using regular toothpaste.

How to Whiten Teeth Safely and Effectively 

While whitening teeth with baking soda is a simple way to whiten teeth at home, it does come with many precautions and potentially harmful side effects. The best way to whiten teeth safely and effectively is with a proven, dental-grade method like Auraglow. 

Auraglow products are made with specially formulated whitening ingredients that remove stains while protecting your enamel. Most customers see results in just a few short days! Our teeth whitening kit provides professional-grade results, without the high cost or discomfort, so you can treat your smile with the care it deserves.