Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 3 minutes
Baking soda toothpaste is often promoted for freshening breath, removing surface stains, and balancing acids in the mouth. While it may help reduce one factor involved in tooth decay, it does not provide the same cavity protection as fluoride.
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Table of Contents
Baking Soda Can Help, but It Cannot Prevent Cavities Alone
Baking soda toothpaste may help reduce cavity risk by making the mouth less acidic. However, it does not strengthen weakened enamel or protect teeth as effectively as fluoride.
Cavities develop when bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches from food. The bacteria then produce acids that lower the pH in the mouth and cause enamel to lose minerals. This process is called demineralization.
If these acid attacks happen more often than the enamel can recover, tooth decay can eventually develop. Baking soda may reduce some of this acidity, but cavity prevention also requires helping the enamel recover after an acid attack.
How Baking Soda Reduces Acidity
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is alkaline. This means it can neutralize acids and make the mouth less acidic for a period of time.
By restoring a healthier pH, baking soda may limit the amount of time enamel is exposed to damaging acidity. This is why it is reasonable to say that baking soda may help lower cavity risk.
However, baking soda addresses only the acid side of the cavity process. It does not replace minerals lost from enamel or make the teeth more resistant to future acid attacks.
Baking Soda vs. Fluoride
Baking soda and fluoride address different parts of the cavity process. Baking soda helps neutralize acids around the teeth. Fluoride works directly on the enamel by supporting remineralization and making teeth more resistant to future acid attacks. Saliva also contributes to remineralization, while fluoride gives this natural process additional support.
The main difference is simple:
- Baking soda creates a less acidic environment around the teeth.
- Fluoride strengthens and remineralizes the enamel itself.
Baking soda offers an added benefit, but toothpaste still needs fluoride to provide reliable cavity protection.
How to Choose a Toothpaste for Your Family
For most children and adults, fluoride toothpaste is the best everyday choice for cavity prevention. If your family prefers baking soda toothpaste, check the active ingredients to make sure it also contains fluoride.
When comparing toothpastes, consider:
- Whether fluoride is listed as an active ingredient
- The age recommendations on the label
- Each person’s cavity risk and dental needs
- A flavor and texture each family member will use consistently
- The ADA Seal of Acceptance when available
Children younger than 3 should use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Children ages 3 to 6 should use a pea-sized amount. Parents should supervise young children and help them avoid swallowing toothpaste.
Daily Habits That Help Prevent Cavities
No toothpaste can prevent every cavity by itself. Daily brushing, flossing, eating habits, and professional dental care all affect a child’s cavity risk.
Helpful steps include:
- Brush twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste and help young children clean every tooth thoroughly.
- Floss once a day: Flossing removes plaque from between teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
- Limit frequent snacking: Crackers, gummies, cereal, dried fruit, and sweets provide fuel for cavity-causing bacteria.
- Choose water between meals: Juice, soda, sports drinks, and other sweetened drinks expose teeth to additional sugar and acid.
- Use a soft toothbrush: Gentle brushing cleans the teeth without unnecessary scrubbing.
- Schedule regular visits: Dental exams and cleanings allow us to identify weakened enamel and other concerns before they become more extensive.
Choose the Right Cavity Protection for Your Family
Baking soda can help reduce acidity in the mouth, but it cannot prevent cavities by itself. Fluoride remains the more important cavity-fighting ingredient because it strengthens enamel and supports remineralization.
At Denver Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics, we help children, teens, and adults prevent cavities with routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and personalized brushing guidance. To book an appointment at our Denver location, call (303) 825-2295 or visit us at 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204.
Other locations:
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics | (720) 826-3694
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics | (303) 343-3133
FAQs
Is baking soda toothpaste good for cavities?
Baking soda toothpaste may help reduce acidity in the mouth, which is better for teeth. However, fluoride toothpaste is stronger for cavity prevention because fluoride helps strengthen and remineralize enamel.
How do you get rid of cavities with baking soda?
You cannot get rid of cavities with baking soda. Once decay has created a hole in the tooth, the tooth requires dental treatment, such as a filling. Baking soda cannot rebuild missing tooth structure.
Is baking soda toothpaste safe for kids?
Some baking soda toothpastes may be safe for kids when used as directed, but the toothpaste should still fit your child’s age and cavity risk. For cavity protection, look for fluoride toothpaste and use the right amount for your child’s age.
