Baking Soda Vs. Toothpaste: What You Need to Know

The most important thing that one can do to have a healthy smile is to practice proper oral hygiene and that requires choosing the right cleaning agent. An older controversy has always existed about the difference between brushing teeth with baking soda and conventional toothpaste. When one is looking for a dentist New Hyde Park or even Lake Success it is good to understand what is being offered. This article will give you information on both the baking soda and the toothpaste for you to make a well informed decision concerning the dental care that you are to follow.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate, or commonly known as baking soda, is one of the most widely used home remedies for whitening teeth for decades. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages, according to a dentist Lake Success:

Benefits of Baking Soda

• Effective Cleaning: Baking soda is a mild cleaner that will be used to eliminate light stains and plaque. 
• Natural Whitening: It is great for whitening teeth and does not contain chemicals which often discolor teeth. 
• Neutralizes Acids: Sodium bicarbonate can help to lower the acidity of the mouth to reduce bacterial growth that causes tooth decay and gum diseases. 
• Cost-Effective: It is a cost effective method as compared to readymade toothpastes..

Drawbacks of Baking Soda

• Abrasiveness: Baking soda is a great choice in terms of removing certain sorts of stains especially in the long run, though it is not ideal for everyday use due to its abrasive properties that might negatively affect the tooth enamel and weaken it.
• Lack of Fluoride: Unlike the other toothpaste products, baking soda does not contain fluoride in it and that makes it not very helpful when it comes to strengthening the teeth and protecting them from cavities. 
• Taste and Texture: It is often described as tasting bad or having a gritty texture in the mouth.

The use of baking soda must be done with utmost care as it may not be suitable for your dental health condition thus consulting with a Lake Success dentist is paramount.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Toothpaste

Toothpaste is produced commercially to remove food debris and freshen breath as well as protect teeth from decay. Here’s a look at its benefits and potential drawbacks, according to a dentist in New Hyde Park:

Benefits of Toothpaste

• Comprehensive Cleaning: Toothpaste has a mixture of abrasive, wetting, and foaming compounds that aid in cleaning the teeth. 
• Fluoride: Fluoride is added to most toothpastes to enhance its ability to discourage and prevent enamel degradation and cavities. 
• Variety of Formulations: Today there are special types of toothpaste formulated for the specific need for example when you need to address teeth sensitivity or whiteness teeth or for tartar control. 
• Pleasant Taste: Dentifrices are also available in a variety of flavors, and hence it’s right to have a pleasant toothpaste taste while brushing.

Drawbacks of Toothpaste

• Chemical Ingredients: There are also some products made with artificial ingredients and/or chemicals that may not be acceptable to all people. 
• Cost: This is because toothpaste may be pricier than baking soda and it may even come in varying formulations based on the brand.

Visiting New Hyde Park Dental can be also helpful in selecting the toothpaste which suits your expectations.

Which One Should You Choose?

So, whether you go for baking soda or use toothpaste depends on you based on your dental health, preferences, and movements. Here are some factors to help you decide:

Use Baking Soda If:

• This is yet another proven natural and inexpensive method of teeth whitening. 
• It is recommendable to use it once in a while to be used as an addition to your dental care.

Use Toothpaste If:

• You desire a product that can protect and fill up teeth against cavities as well as relieve any tooth sensitivity. 
• You want a particular combination of tastes and substances for your current problems.

Conclusion

The answer depends on your personal needs and oral hygiene objectives as baking soda and toothpaste differ from the same aspects. Baking soda is a good non-toxic whitener and cheaper but toothpaste is a product that takes care of oral hygiene by having more constituent elements such as fluoride. For specific treatment recommendations for your teeth and to receive good dental care, consult a New Hyde Park dental care professional or a Lake Success dental care professional. They may also help you in making the right choice for the most appropriate option for a healthy and beautiful smile.