By Dr. Neromini FaguI was recently asked if baking soda is bad for teeth.? The answer is not quite that straightforward. So let us examine both sides to give you a better understanding.? Many persons have grown up using baking soda as a regimen for tooth care and we have even seen toothpaste manufacturers marketing it in their products.? Sodium bicarbonate is the scientific name for baking soda and some us might even remember its uses in the various science experiments we did in school.Baking soda has been around since the 1840s and while it has a myriad of uses from baking to cleaning,Cheap Jerseys Wholesale, and it is also known in dentistry for whitening teeth.But there are a number of benefits when using baking soda to brush your teeth:Fight Bad BreathBad breath can be very embarrassing and sometimes most people don’t even know they have it.? Bad breath may be caused by a number of factors,China Jerseys Cheap, one of which is the food particles that remain in your mouth after eating.? These foods produce acids and when you use baking soda it helps to neutralize the acids.? To combat bad breath,Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys, dissolve a half of a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and use this solution as a mouth rinse.Whiten TeethWe have all heard the virtues of baking soda in whitening teeth.? Manufacturers use it in toothpastes and other whitening agents.? However,Cheap China Jerseys, you should be careful as you may not get the results you were hoping for.? Over time,Cheap Jerseys Wholesale, teeth get stained from the foods that we eat and drink.? Alcohol use and smoking also stain our teeth.? Baking soda may be able to remove some of these stains but if you want the whitest of teeth you may have to look at a more professional alternative.Prevent Gum DiseaseGum disease affects a majority of people and is caused by the accumulation of plaque. Gum disease may cause bleeding and swelling of the gums and may lead to bad breath.? Using baking soda when brushing your teeth will help to remove plaque.Soothe Mouth UlcersUlcers are never fun as they can be painful and always seems to take long to heal. Eating and drinking sometimes seems to lengthen the healing time.? Using baking soda mixed with water as a rinse may help to soothe the ulcer and increase the healing process.Some of the potential risks of using baking soda include:Abrasive to TeethOne of the major downsides of using baking soda regularly is that its abrasive properties may weaken the enamel of teeth.? Constant use of baking soda especially when combined with forceful brushing techniques is a sure fire recipe for enamel erosion.? Once enamel is lost, it will not be replaced by the body and the sensitive dentine layer of the teeth will be exposed.? This may result in increased teeth sensitivity and make you more prone to cavities.Does not contain FluorideAccording to the American Dental Association,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, using baking soda alone to brush your teeth may not help you to prevent cavities.? Fluoride is a key ingredient in toothpaste to help strengthen enamel and protect against tooth decay.? Baking soda does not contain fluoride and so it should not replace toothpaste.? If you want to use baking soda, use it first and then toothpaste after.Soften Dental AdhesivesBaking soda should not be used if you have braces or a permanent retainer.? It may cause damage to the orthodontic glue used to keep the braces and retainer in place.If you would like to use baking soda as part of your oral hygiene routine here are some safety tips:· Wet your toothbrush before you brush your teeth with the baking soda.· Baking soda will become creamy if mixed with saliva so brush the biting surface of your teeth first for 15 seconds.? This will also help to prevent gums from becoming irritated.· Don’t brush your teeth for more than 2 minutes.· If you don’t like the taste of baking soda use a mouth rinse to help mask it.· Keep small quantities of baking soda in a separate container to prevent clumping.· If you develop bleeding gums or any other side effects from using baking soda you should stop using it and consult your dentist.For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected]