Brushing with baking soda can safely and effectively remove plaque. While still abrasive, baking soda toothpaste is not as hard as the enamel that makes up teeth and can remove plaque without damaging the enamel.
A 2017 review suggests that toothpaste that contains baking soda may be more effective at reducing the amount of plaque in the mouth than traditional toothpaste.
The Journal of the American Dental Association
Effect of baking soda in dentifrices on plaque removal