Expert claims a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth; we probe

No dearth of remedies, tips, and hacks that promise instant results — whether it is haircare, skin, or dental health. However, experts suggest verifying everything one comes across on the Internet (and other sources) before trying them. Paying heed, we reached out to them to verify if a tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide can help whiten teeth as promised by a general medicine practitioner.

According to an Instagram post by Angela Hadi, one needs to gently brush the mixture with a soft-bristled toothbrush and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. “You can make a mouthwash by adding some water to the mixture,” the post read.

Intrigued, we turned to our Dr Gunita Singh, B.D.S., M.D. Dental Lasers at Dentem, The Dental and Orthodontic Clinic to understand if the mixture truly works and is good for your dental health.

Baking soda is used to remove stains of the teeth and gives good results when used with water or along with a toothpaste, said Dr Singh. “It helps remove stains because it has abrasive qualities. It abrades the outer layer of enamel, which holds the stains,” said Dr Singh.

Baking soda has various uses that you should know about (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

So, is the solution effective?

According to Dr Singh, “it is not a very good idea”. “Once in a while is still admissible but prolonged use can lead to abrasions and further sensitivity of the teeth,” said Dr Singh. “But people do not pay heed to our ‘once in a while’ suggestion and it becomes a habit. So, it’s better not to use such products,” emphasised Dr Singh.

Talking about hydrogen peroxide, Dr Singh apprised us that it oxidises the stains and cleans them from the surface of the enamel. “Using it meticulously in a dental office along with soothing agents is acceptable. However self-use of hydrogen peroxide is not a good idea as it can lead to burns, especially if used in higher concentrations and the long run,” said Dr Singh.

 

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A post shared by Dr. Angela PharmD (@angelapharmd)

Additionally, it can lead to “major harm to the enamel of the tooth and sensitivity”. “When there are safe procedures in the dental office, I don’t recommend the use of chemicals at home,” said Dr Singh. “If required, there are beautiful natural home remedies like strawberries and bananas which can be eaten for better dental health and shine,” said Dr Singh.

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