Many decades ago several theories were advanced purporting beneficial effects of baking soda and peroxide, and these ideas were revived by a prominent dentist who lectured extensively on the subject in the 1970’s. Since that time, however, after exhaustive research in this area, almost all of these claims have been dismissed as unsubstantial. Unfortunately, most of the public (and sadly many dentists) are ignorant of this fact, and several manufacturers have capitalized on this misinformation.
Over the past few years, the market has been flooded by toothpaste products which contain baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and hydrogen peroxide. Many of these products carry the American Dental Association seal of acceptance. The advertisements for these products are highly misleading, however. You will notice that none of these companies make any direct claims of beneficial effects of these ingredients. The reason why is because they can’t. There simply is no credible scientific evidence that either of these ingredients are of any benefit to oral health whatsoever, in spite of extensive research in this area. In fact, if you read the labels, sodium bicarbonate and peroxide are listed as “inactive ingredients”, “flavorings”, or simply “other ingredients.” These products carry the ADA seal of acceptance because they contain the “active ingredient” Fluoride.
Presently, the only scientifically substantiated claim (although still dubious) of peroxide in toothpaste is not health related at all. Many toothpaste manufacturers promote their products as “whitening toothpaste”, because peroxide can have the effect of bleaching the teeth, however it is highly unlikely that one would see a significant effect because of the low concentration of peroxide contained in these products.
chewswisely wrote on 19 April 2009
What is the advantage of baking soda and peroxide toothpastes?
chewswisely wrote on 19 April 2009
Many decades ago several theories were advanced purporting beneficial effects of baking soda and peroxide, and these ideas were revived by a prominent dentist who lectured extensively on the subject in the 1970’s. Since that time, however, after exhaustive research in this area, almost all of these claims have been dismissed as unsubstantial. Unfortunately, most of the public (and sadly many dentists) are ignorant of this fact, and several manufacturers have capitalized on this misinformation.
Over the past few years, the market has been flooded by toothpaste products which contain baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and hydrogen peroxide. Many of these products carry the American Dental Association seal of acceptance. The advertisements for these products are highly misleading, however. You will notice that none of these companies make any direct claims of beneficial effects of these ingredients. The reason why is because they can’t. There simply is no credible scientific evidence that either of these ingredients are of any benefit to oral health whatsoever, in spite of extensive research in this area. In fact, if you read the labels, sodium bicarbonate and peroxide are listed as “inactive ingredients”, “flavorings”, or simply “other ingredients.” These products carry the ADA seal of acceptance because they contain the “active ingredient” Fluoride.
Presently, the only scientifically substantiated claim (although still dubious) of peroxide in toothpaste is not health related at all. Many toothpaste manufacturers promote their products as “whitening toothpaste”, because peroxide can have the effect of bleaching the teeth, however it is highly unlikely that one would see a significant effect because of the low concentration of peroxide contained in these products.