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.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
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 can you do next?
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 you seek dental care?
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 the dentist?
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.