Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide teeth
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can alter surface stains, but a homemade mixture can irritate gums and wear enamel if it is abrasive or strongly con
The short answer
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can alter surface stains, but a homemade mixture can irritate gums and wear enamel if it is abrasive or strongly concentrated. Use a tested toothpaste or clinician-directed product instead.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a mild abrasive and alkaline salt. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidising agent used in some dental whitening products; concentration, contact time, acidity, and abrasion determine its effect on enamel and soft tissue.
What can you do next?
Do not scrub teeth with a concentrated or gritty mixture, swallow peroxide, or apply it to ulcers or broken gums. For stain removal, use a fluoride toothpaste and have the cause of intrinsic or persistent staining assessed.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek care for burning, white or peeling gum tissue, tooth sensitivity, pain, or discoloration that does not improve. A dentist can distinguish surface stain from enamel defects, fluorosis, decay, or a non-vital tooth.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the colour is an external stain or a change within enamel or dentine. Ask which fluoride and whitening product is suitable and how to protect the gums and restorations.
Frequently asked questions
Does baking soda whiten teeth?
It can help remove some surface stain through gentle abrasion, but it does not bleach the deeper colour of enamel or dentine.
Can peroxide burn gums?
Peroxide can irritate or chemically injure gum tissue when the concentration, exposure, or fit of an application is unsuitable.