Can you clean teeth with bicarbonate of soda

Fluoride toothpaste remains important because fluoride helps the enamel resist acid attack and supports repair of early mineral loss.

Surface stains sit in the acquired pellicle and plaque on enamel, while calculus is mineralised plaque attached to teeth. A powder cannot substitute for instruments used to remove calculus above and below the gumline.

Tooth colour can also come from dentine, enamel thickness, trauma, or internal staining, which surface cleaning will not change.

Brush twice daily with a soft brush and a fluoride toothpaste. If you choose a bicarbonate product, use it according to its label rather than scrubbing with dry powder or force.

Clean between teeth daily and have calculus removed professionally when brushing cannot dislodge it. Rinse after acidic drinks and avoid abrasive mixtures with acids.

Seek care for bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, holes, pain, or deposits that remain after brushing. These signs can indicate disease or calculus rather than a cleaning issue.

A dentist should assess persistent staining before abrasive cleaning, especially when enamel is worn or roots are exposed.

Ask whether the deposit is plaque, calculus, external stain, or a change within the tooth. Ask whether your enamel, fillings, or exposed roots alter the cleaning advice.

Ask which fluoride toothpaste and interdental method suit you, and whether a professional scale and polish is indicated.