Bicarbonate of soda brushing teeth

Bicarbonate of soda can help remove surface deposits, but it does not replace fluoride toothpaste or professional dental care.

Bicarbonate of soda is a mildly alkaline, fine powder that can act as a cleaning abrasive. It may alter the appearance of extrinsic stains on the enamel surface, but it cannot change the natural colour inside enamel or dentine and cannot repair decay.

Use a soft-bristled brush with fluoride toothpaste as your regular method, using light pressure for two minutes and cleaning every tooth surface. If you use a bicarbonate product, choose one formulated for oral use and avoid forceful dry scrubbing or mixing it with acidic liquids.

See a dentist if a tooth has a persistent dark area, a cavity, sensitivity, pain, enamel loss, or staining that does not lift with normal cleaning. Professional examination distinguishes surface stain from decay, erosion, fluorosis, or an internal colour change.

Ask whether the colour is surface stain or a change within the tooth, and whether enamel has been worn or softened. Ask which fluoride toothpaste and whitening approach suit your enamel, fillings, crowns, and sensitivity.