Can baking soda whiten teeth

Baking soda may reduce some surface stain, but it is not a peroxide bleach and cannot reliably lighten the internal colour of a tooth.

The powder contains sodium bicarbonate crystals that provide mild abrasive cleaning. Whitening depends on stain location, particle formulation, brushing force, enamel thickness, exposed dentine, and whether restorations are present.

Choose a commercially formulated fluoride toothpaste rather than rubbing loose powder on the teeth. Brush with a soft brush and ask for an examination before using any whitening method if you have sensitivity, erosion, recession, cavities, or gum inflammation.

See a dentist for persistent sensitivity, enamel thinning, a cavity, or a single discoloured tooth. A clinician can distinguish surface stain from changes within the tooth and select treatment accordingly.

Ask what is causing the colour change and whether a fluoride whitening toothpaste is appropriate. Ask about peroxide trays or in-office whitening if the stain is inside the tooth.