Examining Potential Arm & Hammer Toothpaste Side Effects
Arm & Hammer is a popular brand of baking soda-based toothpaste. While the baking soda ingredient has some benefits for oral hygiene, some people may also wonder about the potential side effects with regular long-term use.
How Baking Soda Works in Toothpaste
The key ingredient in Arm & Hammer toothpastes is baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. This mildly abrasive substance helps:
- Remove stains from tooth surfaces
- Polish and whiten teeth
- Neutralize acidic pH from foods and plaque
- Freshen breath by absorbing odors
However, baking soda also has some drawbacks as a main toothpaste component that lead to possible adverse effects with improper use.
Tooth and Gum Side Effects
Some potential tooth and gum related side effects of Arm & Hammer toothpaste may include:
- Tooth root sensitivity
- Increased tooth wear over time
- Gum inflammation or recession
- Canker sores
- Discoloration with long term use
These effects mainly result from the abrasive action of baking soda combined with frequent excessive brushing pressure applied.
Digestive Issues
If swallowed, the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda toothpastes can also cause some temporary stomach upset or digestive effects like:
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Gas and bloating
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Diarrhea
Consuming baking soda also alters the body's natural acid-base balance, although the occasional small amount from tooth brushing is not harmful.
Reducing Risk of Arm & Hammer Toothpaste Side Effects
While baking soda toothpaste is generally safe for most people, taking a few simple precautions can help minimize problems with tooth sensitivity, erosion, or digestive issues over time.
Brushing Habits
Adjusting how you brush can reduce abrasion to teeth and irritation of gums, especially if they are already vulnerable. Helpful tips include:
- Using a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush
- Brushing gently without pressing hard on teeth
- Brushing for 2 minutes or less
- Holding brush at a 45° angle to the gumline
- Avoiding brushing right after consuming acidic foods and drinks
Toothpaste Use
Strategies to reduce ingestion and contact time of baking soda toothpaste involve:
- Using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
- Spitting out after brushing and rinsing away residue
- Not swallowing while brushing teeth
- Rinsing mouth thoroughly after brushing
- Using other toothpaste periodically if irritation occurs
Other Oral Care Products
Incorporating other specialized dental products can also offset any harshness of baking soda. These may help strengthen and protect teeth and gums:
- Fluoride mouthwash use - Fights cavities
- Enamel strengthening toothpastes - Contain ingredients like stannous fluoride to rebuild eroded enamel
- Gentle gum toothpastes - Formulated for sensitive bleedings gums with ingredients like aloe vera
- CoQ10 antioxidant gum supplements - Reduces gum inflammation and swelling
Medical Treatments for Long Term Side Effects
For moderate to severe cases of enduring tooth and gum problems potentially caused or worsened by long term Arm & Hammer toothpaste use, several professional treatment options exist to repair and restore oral health.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatments
To desensitize overly sensitive teeth aggravated by abrasion, dentists may recommend options like:
- Topical fluoride - Hardens exposed dentin
- Bonding agents - Seal and protect root surfaces
- Desensitizing toothpastes - Contain active ingredients like stannous fluoride or NovaMin
- Nerve medication - Reduces nerve signaling pain
Receding Gum Solutions
Receding gums often worsen gradually, but procedures can fix them. Treatment possibilities include:
- Gum grafting surgery - Transplants gum tissue
- Pinhole surgical technique - Manipulates gums back into proper position
- Scaling and root planing - Deep cleans under gums
- Antimicrobial rinses - Reduces infection allowing regrowth
Tooth Repairs
Significant erosion may necessitate tooth restoration work such as:
- Dental fillings - Repair cavities
- Crowns - Cover damaged weak teeth
- Porcelain veneers - Mask discoloration issues
- Dental bonding - Disguise cracks or gaps
Seeing a dentist promptly for evaluation at the first signs of problems can prevent extensive repairs being needed.
Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums
Arm & Hammer baking soda toothpaste can be used safely as part of good oral care routine for most people. But some adjustments may be necessary if side effects emerge.
Paying attention to brushing habits, communicating with your dentist, and utilizing other supplemental products can help minimize risk. Seeking prompt professional treatments will also limit any lasting damage if significant sensitivity, recession or erosion occurs.
FAQs
Does Arm & Hammer toothpaste damage teeth?
The baking soda in Arm & Hammer toothpaste can slowly erode tooth enamel and cause sensitivity with improper brushing techniques over many years if precautions aren’t taken.
Why does Arm & Hammer toothpaste hurt my gums?
Arm & Hammer may irritate gums, leading to inflammation or recession, if used aggressively long-term. The abrasive baking soda impacts vulnerable gums, especially if brushing too hard or using an improper toothbrush.
Can you swallow Arm & Hammer toothpaste?
It’s best not to intentionally swallow baking soda toothpastes since consuming too much baking soda upsets digestion, causing side effects like stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and altering acid/base balance.
How can I prevent problems when using Arm & Hammer toothpaste?
Using a soft brush, brushing gently for 2 minutes or less, using less toothpaste, rinsing thoroughly after, and incorporating other specialized dental products can help minimize Arm & Hammer side effects.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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