Mixing Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide To Whiten Teeth
Introduction
Everyone wants a bright and shining smile, but not everyone is blessed with it. Teeth discoloration can happen due to various reasons such as aging, smoking, coffee, tea, and wine intake. While there are several professional treatments available to whiten teeth, they can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are some home remedies that can give you similar results. One such remedy is mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth.
What is baking soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white powder that has a slightly salty taste. It has various uses in the kitchen, but it is also used in several home remedies for beauty purposes. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which makes it an excellent natural cleaner and exfoliator. It is also alkaline, which means it can neutralize acids that cause bad breath and tooth decay.
What is hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. It is also used in several home remedies for beauty purposes, such as teeth whitening. When hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with air, it breaks down into water and oxygen. This makes it safe to use as a mouthwash and tooth whitener.
How does mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide work?
Mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide creates a paste that can help whiten teeth. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which means it can remove surface stains from teeth. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a bleaching agent that can penetrate the enamel of the teeth and bleach the discolored molecules. When the two are mixed, they create a powerful whitening solution that can help remove stubborn stains from teeth.
How to mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening?
To make the teeth whitening paste, you will need:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
- A toothbrush
Here are the steps to follow:
- Mix the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl to form a paste.
- Dip your toothbrush into the paste and brush your teeth for 2 minutes.
- Spit out the paste and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Brush your teeth again with your regular toothpaste to remove any remaining paste.
Precautions to take while using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening
While using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening, you should keep the following precautions in mind:
- Do not overuse the mixture, as it can damage the enamel of your teeth.
- Do not swallow the mixture, as it can be harmful if ingested.
- If you experience any sensitivity or discomfort after using the mixture, stop using it immediately and consult your dentist.
- Do not use the mixture on dental work such as braces, fillings, and dentures, as it can damage them.
Other natural remedies for teeth whitening
If you are looking for other natural remedies for teeth whitening, here are some options:
- Oil pulling with coconut oil
- Using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash
- Using activated charcoal as a toothpaste
- Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots
- Limiting the intake of coffee, tea, and wine
Conclusion
Teeth whitening can be an expensive and time-consuming process, but with some natural remedies, you can achieve similar results at home. Mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is a popular home remedy for teeth whitening that is easy to make and effective. However, it is essential to take precautions while using it to avoid any damage to your teeth. In addition to this remedy, there are several other natural remedies that you can try to achieve a brighter smile.
