Many People Are Advocating It, But That Does Not Mean They Are Correct
* Be sure to share your opinion on this topic below in the comment section and read the comments that are there already.
I know that there are many people, even dental health professionals that extol the virtues of brushing with baking soda. Now, if you are using a toothpaste that contains baking soda, that is different than what I am talking about here. That is a small amount of baking soda. I'm addressing those who actually dip a wet toothbrush in pure baking soda and proceed to brush their teeth with it!
There are also those who advocate mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and brushing with that. I also believe that is problematic too. I would not personally do either.
Ask The Right Professional If You Cannot Accept What I Am Saying
I'm going to share the subjective and anecdotal evidence I have against the practice. And, I am going to ask you, if you still have any doubts, to ask a periodontist about brushing with baking soda. Specifically ask him if doing so can cause gum recession.
Baking soda is very abrasive and definitely has the ability to erode your gum line (gum recession) as does brushing too hard in general, even without baking soda.
I asked my own periodontist about this and he said he could definitely see how baking soda could cause gum erosion due to its abrasive property.
Subjective But Important Information I Have Collected
I have two stories to relate to you hear. You will make your own choices of course, I am only sharing the information I have heard from two separate sources.1. A Dentist - I know a prevention oriented dentist named Ellie Phillips. You may have heard of her. She sells the Zellies brand of xylitol mints and gums. Has developed the Clean, White Teeth protocol, and has written a book: Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye.
She has over 30 years of real clinical experience behind her. She told me that anytime she has seen a patient with rapid and unexplained (not due to gum disease or other disease) gum recession, they have always been using either hydrogen peroxide or baking soda in their mouths!
Anyone who has noticed this in their practice over a 30 year period, is worth paying attention to, in my opinion.
2. The Second piece of information on this came from one of my customers. I often have lengthy discussions with my customers. On this particular day, probably a couple of years ago, we talked about baking soda.
I explained what Dr. Phillips said in number 1 above. This customer told me that she had tried baking soda but didn't like the taste so she did not continue.
Then she had an epiphany. Her husband had been brushing with baking soda for years. And he DID have an unnatural amount of gum recession. She said compared to the rest of his family he had more recession than they did.
OK, those are my two pieces of information to share.
Again, you are going to make your own choices. I know that!.
But, I feel better knowing that I at least shared what appears to be the truth with you. I understand my evidence is subjective. But that is the best I have to go on.
One thing I often say is this, "It is better to error on the side of caution". This means, "It is better to be safe than sorry."
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I hope this information proved to be useful to you. Share your opinions and comments a little further down the page.
Sincerely,
David Snape
ToothyGrinsStore.com
1-888-586-6849
PS: add your voice to the discussion, ask a question or chime in to answer someone else's question. It can really help people to hear from others.
