Natural, Cheap Teeth Whitening

If anything in life is absolute and timeless, it’s a smile. Don’t hide it behind the surface stains of coffee, sports drinks and wine. Give your smile the pure white color that it deserves, without having to pay the cost of professional whitening treatment. That’s right- a cheaper, easier (and healthier, to boot), brighter smile!

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

Baking soda is often used for teeth whitening because it removes stains and plaque. The acidity of lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent. To use, create a paste mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. Placing the paste onto a toothbrush, brush gently onto teeth and let sit for one minute. Brush teeth immediately after use and don’t use this treatment more than once a week. Consider using a toothpaste that contains baking soda, as well.

Strawberries

Strawberries contain a natural astringent that removes surface stains on teeth. The Vitamin C rich fruit also acts to remove unwanted plaque. Smash strawberries until a paste-like mixture is created. Apply with a cotton swab and allow it to sit for two minutes.  Wash the strawberry off the teeth and brush well with fluoride toothpaste.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Often used for cleaning cuts and scrapes, this product is also excellent for whitening teeth. Gargle with a few tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. Brush your teeth after use. Although its chemical formula is close to water, don’t drink it!

Orange Peel

Another specialty fruit, oranges are excellent natural teeth whiteners. Peel an orange and rub the white inside section onto your teeth for a few seconds. As always, brush after to remove any remaining residue.

Choose the Right Lipstick

Contrast lip color to make the teeth appear whiter. To create this counteract, choose cool blue undertones, such as deep berries and bright reds. Avoid using yellow undertones and orange or pale shades. These colors will blend with the yellow surface stains on teeth.

Change your Diet

When fine dining etiquette isn’t necessary, drink from straws as much as possible. Increase the amount of crunchy fruits and vegetables in your diet, such as apples, carrots and celery, while eliminating soda and hard candies. Dairy products, which contain high levels of calcium, are also vital for the health of one’s teeth.

Although these options are effective, natural and inexpensive, it may be tempting to abuse its use. Be sure to only use these whitening remedies as instructed. Stained teeth can always be fixed, but damaged enamel cannot. If tooth sensitivity and gum irritation occur, stop use and consult your dentist.

Photo by Teddy Walker