How to whiten yellow teeth with baking soda

Baking soda can remove some surface stain, but it does not reliably change deeper tooth colour and abrasive use can wear enamel or irritate gums.

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a mildly alkaline powder used in some formulated toothpastes. Its cleaning effect comes mainly from physical stain removal, while intrinsic yellow colour may come from dentine showing through enamel, enamel thinning, ageing, or medication-related changes.

Use a fluoride toothpaste made for teeth rather than scrubbing with loose powder. Reduce staining exposures such as tobacco and frequent dark drinks, and have a dentist check cavities, erosion, gum recession, or restorations before whitening.

Seek dental care for sudden colour change, one dark tooth, pain, sensitivity, pits, or gum recession. A professional assessment is also useful when home methods produce patchy colour.

Ask whether the colour is surface stain or intrinsic discolouration, whether whitening is suitable, and how existing restorations will look afterward.