Baking soda is a popular and inexpensive way to whiten teeth at home. It works by removing stains and plaque buildup. Many people wonder how long it takes to see results when using baking soda for teeth whitening. The answer depends on several factors.
How Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mildly abrasive substance that can remove surface stains on teeth. It works in a few ways:
- Physical removal of plaque and stains – The abrasive texture of baking soda helps scrub away built-up plaque, coffee stains, and other discoloration on the tooth enamel.
- Neutralizes acids – Acids from foods and drinks can erode enamel and cause teeth to look yellow. Baking soda neutralizes acids and helps remove this discoloration.
- Whitens naturally over time – As baking soda removes stains, your teeth may naturally whiten over time by revealing the white enamel underneath.
Baking soda does not contain bleaching agents like commercial whitening strips or gels. However, frequent use can gradually reduce yellowness and make your smile brighter.
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
Most people start to notice a difference in their tooth color after using baking soda for teeth whitening for 2-6 weeks. However, results vary depending on:
- Consistency – Using baking soda 1-2 times per day will produce faster results than occasional use.
- Method – Directly applying baking soda and gently scrubbing teeth is more effective than just rinsing with a baking soda solution.
- Diet – Consuming staining foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, or berries slows whitening. Limit intake for best results.
- Smoking – Smoking causes severe tooth discoloration that baking soda has limited ability to lighten.
- Tooth shade – If teeth are very yellow or grey, it takes longer for baking soda to whiten them.
- Enamel condition – Teeth with thin or damaged enamel whiten slower.
Most dentists recommend using baking soda for 2-6 weeks to see a 1-2 shade improvement on the dental whitening scale. Darker teeth may take up to 3 months to lighten significantly.
How to Use Baking Soda for Teeth Whitening
Here are some simple ways to use baking soda for a brighter, whiter smile:
Baking Soda Toothpaste
Make a paste by mixing 1 teaspoon baking soda with a small amount of water. Lightly brush teeth for 2 minutes, being careful not to scrub too hard. Rinse thoroughly. Use once or twice daily.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Combine baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to boost whitening power. Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda and 2 teaspoons 3% hydrogen peroxide. Apply with a cotton swab and leave on teeth for 1-2 minutes before rinsing. Use a few times per week.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
The acidic lemon juice helps activate the baking soda. Mix juice from 1 lemon with 1 teaspoon baking soda. Massage onto teeth and let sit briefly before rinsing. Use 1-2 times per week.
Baking Soda with Strawberries
Mash 2-3 strawberries and mix with 1 teaspoon baking soda until it forms a paste. Apply to teeth and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Strawberries contain malic acid to boost whitening. Use once or twice per week.
When to Expect Visible Results
Here is a general timeline for when you can expect to see baking soda whitening results:
| Time Period | Visible Results |
|---|---|
| 1 week | Minimal lightening of stains |
| 2-3 weeks | Moderate polishing of tooth enamel |
| 1 month | Noticeable 1-shade improvement |
| 6 weeks | Teeth appear visibly whiter by 2 shades |
| 3 months | Significantly brighter smile 3+ shades lighter |
However, results vary based on consistency, diet, and starting shade. Darker teeth take longer to lighten. Keep your expectations realistic, as baking soda only lightens mildly to moderately when used alone.
Tips for Optimizing Baking Soda Whitening
Here are some tips to get the best results from your baking soda teeth whitening:
- Brush teeth thoroughly before using baking soda to remove plaque.
- Apply baking soda directly to teeth rather than rinsing with water.
- Let baking soda sit on teeth for 2-5 minutes before rinsing.
- Use baking soda 1-2 times daily for quick results.
- Cut down on stain-causing foods and beverages.
- Don’t overuse baking soda, as it can damage enamel over time.
- Rinse mouth thoroughly after to prevent irritation.
- Follow up with regular toothpaste to remineralize enamel.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressively scrubbing.
Being patient and consistent with your baking soda regimen is key to seeing satisfying whitening results.
When to Avoid Baking Soda Whitening
There are some situations when you’ll want to avoid using baking soda on your teeth:
- If you have braces, it can be abrasive to adhesive and wires.
- Avoid immediately before or after teeth whitening treatments.
- If you have gum disease, cavities, or sensitive teeth.
- Don’t swallow baking soda, as it can upset the stomach.
- During pregnancy, check with your dentist first.
- For children under 6 years old.
Always consult your dentist if you have questions about trying baking soda teeth whitening. They can assess if it’s suitable for your oral health.
Other Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening
While convenient, baking soda has limits in its whitening power. Other natural ingredients can also help remove stains without harsh chemicals. Alternate or combine these with baking soda:
- Hydrogen peroxide – Rinse with a dilute solution or mix with baking soda.
- Coconut oil – Swish in mouth for 20 minutes to lift stains.
- Fruits like strawberries – Rub sliced fruit on teeth or mash into paste.
- Crunchy fruits and veggies – Eat apples, celery, and carrots to scrape away plaque.
- DIY whitening strips – Use aloe vera gel and baking soda.
- Activated charcoal – Apply powder gently as a toothpaste.
Be patient, consistent, and realistic with home remedies. Over time, you can see gradual whitening improvements.
When to See a Dentist
While home remedies like baking soda are low-risk, you should still see a dentist regularly for oral exams and professional cleanings every 6 months. This helps remove deep stains that brushing and natural whiteners can’t reach.
See your dentist right away if you experience:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Cavities or other damage
- No improvement in whiteness after 2-3 months
Your dentist can check for underlying conditions and advise professional whitening options like in-office bleaching if home remedies aren’t working.
Professional Teeth Whitening From a Dentist
For more dramatic whitening results, you may consider professional options from your dentist like:
- In-office bleaching – Whitens teeth up to 8 shades in 1 hour with concentrated peroxide gel.
- Custom fitted trays – Apply carbamide peroxide gel at home with trays.
- Laser whitening – Uses light energy to activate whitening gel on teeth.
Professional whitening can cost hundreds to over $1,000 depending on the method. While expensive, it whiten teeth faster and more effectively than home remedies alone.
Is Baking Soda Safe for Teeth Whitening?
Used properly, baking soda is safe for teeth. However, overuse can damage the enamel over time. Be cautious and use baking soda in moderation with these safety tips:
- Only use 1-2 times per week, not every day.
- Avoid scrubbing too hard, which can wear down enamel.
- Rinse thoroughly and follow up with fluoride toothpaste.
- Check for tooth sensitivity, which is a sign of irritation.
- See your dentist if teeth become painful or damage appears.
Baking soda is low-abrasion, so it shouldn’t harm enamel with careful use. But frequent overuse or aggressively scrubbing can weaken the tooth surface over time.
Conclusion
It can take 2-6 weeks of consistent use to see noticeable teeth whitening results from baking soda. Visible whitening varies based on your dental habits, tooth shade, enamel condition, and more. While baking soda can naturally whiten and brighten teeth over time, it works best when paired with healthy brushing and stain-free eating. See your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to optimize your whitening results. With patience and proper technique, baking soda can safely remove some discoloration for a brighter, whiter smile.
