Home Teeth Whitening: What Actually Works — And What Can Damage Your Teeth

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which means it can help scrub away some surface staining.

That is why it is included in some commercial toothpastes.

But using loose baking soda aggressively or too often is not necessarily better.

Excessive scrubbing can:

* Irritate gums
* Wear the tooth surface
* Increase sensitivity
* Make teeth look more yellow over time if enamel becomes thinner

### Safer approach

If you want to use baking soda, it is usually better to choose a toothpaste formulated with baking soda rather than making a harsh homemade paste.

## 2. Avoid Lemon Juice on Teeth

A lot of viral recipes combine baking soda with lemon.

That is not a good idea.

Lemon juice is acidic, and acid can soften and erode tooth enamel.