Whitening gels are a great way to keep your pearly whites looking as pearly white as possible. The only downside is that the effects don't last forever, and most patients tend to reapply the gel every six months or so in order to keep their smile looking beautiful. The length of time between treatments can depend a lot on your own habits; for example, drinking three cups of black coffee or smoking a packet of cigarettes each day is probably going to mean that you need to reapply the gel on a more regular basis.

However, there are also things you can do to lengthen the amount of time needed between treatments, and one of the best steps to take is using a toothpaste that contains baking soda.

Baking Soda and Whitening Gel: A Match Made in Heaven

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, isn't actually that great at removing stains from your teeth. It is slightly abrasive, so some surface stains will be removed, but the real benefit of a baking soda toothpaste is that it disrupts the process during which staining occurs. The calcium within plaque is converted into calcium carbonate, which helps fight staining.

This means that baking soda toothpastes perfectly complement tooth whitening gels. While the gel itself will remove the stains from your teeth whenever you choose to apply it, baking soda toothpaste will help prevent other stains from occurring, reducing the need for further treatments.

Baking Soda Toothpastes Beat Out Whitening Toothpastes

There are, of course, several other types of whitening toothpastes on the market, but baking soda alternatives will work best, especially for people who use whitening gel. This is because most whitening toothpastes that don't use baking soda use more abrasive elements. These can be more effective at removing stains but nowhere near as effective as whitening gels. Unfortunately, their more abrasive nature isn't as good for your teeth, and it can also cause increased sensitivity. Since increased sensitivity can also occur when using whitening gel, the combination of both products can become uncomfortable.

A Step Above Homemade Cleaners

Finally, baking soda toothpastes are perfect since they still contain fluoride and other compounds used to keep your teeth healthy as well as white. Some people are tempted to use homemade blends of baking soda and water in order to help prevent staining. This might work, but you'll still need to clean your teeth again using regular toothpaste, and excess brushing isn't good for your mouth. Additionally, it's possible to use too much baking soda, and high concentrations can become too abrasive. A store-bought baking soda toothpaste will contain the right amount of baking soda, plus everything else your teeth need to stay healthy.

If you invest in teeth whitening, you'll naturally want the effects to last for as long as possible. Baking soda toothpastes are a great idea: They'll help prevent staining while also keeping your teeth in good shape.