“Does baking soda kill bacteria in the mouth?”

The sodium in baking soda can kill bacteria, but it doesn't kill all the bacteria in the mouth. And that's not the goal in brushing your teeth or rinsing with baking soda. The goal is to remove the plaque layer that bacteria form on the teeth. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that along with your brush help remove the plaque. Another great thing about baking soda is that it helps neutralize the acids that bacteria produce. Remember that it's these acids that attack your enamel and produce cavities.

Yes, it has some plaque-killing and acid-neutralizing effects, but I wouldn’t use it.

Dear Reader,

Baking soda is a great way to brush your teeth. It is non abrasive, so it protects your enamel from excessive wear. Also, because it is very basic (in terms of pH), it can kill bacteria since many of them enjoy an acidic environment. Just place a little in a dish, add some water to make it into a slurry paste, and brush away.

Hope this helps,

Steven Chamish, DDS