

It cleans the teeth and gums mechanically, neutralizes acid production in the mouth, and functions as an antiseptic to prevent future infections. Some mouthwashes contain sodium bicarbonate as a component. Even though sodium bicarbonate is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both acids and bases, it should not be used to neutralize bases. In chemical laboratories, it is typically used to neutralize undesirable acid solutions or acid spills. When sodium bicarbonate combines with acids, CO2 gas is released as a reaction product. Baking soda has proven a reliable solution for used book dealers to make books less smelly since it absorbs musty odors. It has limited disinfecting capabilities and may be beneficial as a fungicide against certain species. Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical substance of the formula NaHCO3 \text H 2 O when subjected to heat.
