Can you use bicarbonate of soda for teeth whitening
Bicarbonate of soda can remove some surface deposits through mild abrasion, but it does not bleach the internal colour of teeth.
The short answer
Bicarbonate of soda can remove some surface deposits through mild abrasion, but it does not bleach the internal colour of teeth. Repeated or forceful scrubbing can wear exposed dentine, irritate gums, and make existing sensitivity more noticeable.
How does bicarbonate differ from professional tooth whitening?
Whitening changes tooth colour by removing or chemically lightening stains, while bicarbonate mainly acts as a fine alkaline cleaning powder. It cannot change the colour of fillings, crowns, veneers, or other dental materials in the same way as natural enamel.
What should you use instead of abrasive whitening mixtures?
Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush rather than making abrasive mixtures at home. A dentist can check the source of discolouration and distinguish surface stain from internal colour before recommending professional whitening or another option.
When should tooth discolouration be checked by a dentist?
Seek an examination when discolouration is new, uneven, linked with pain, or present around a filling or crown. Stop abrasive scrubbing if gums become sore or roots become sensitive.
What should you ask about the cause of tooth discolouration?
Ask whether the colour is surface stain, enamel change, decay, fluorosis, trauma, or a restoration. Ask what result is possible for natural teeth and how existing fillings, crowns, or veneers will be handled.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.