DIY Teeth Whiteners

Commercially available teeth whitening systems can be costly and cumbersome to use. Most insurance doesn't cover whitening done by a dentist, and the cost of having it professionally done can easily add up to two or three car payments. Instead of having your teeth professionally whitened, or buying expensive messy kits to do it yourself, you can try DIY methods to whiten your teeth less expensively.

Baking Soda

• Baking soda is a natural mild abrasive that can buff surface stains off your teeth. Use the powder alone or mixed into your toothpaste to scrub your teeth white. This method may take several weeks, but will cost just pennies per week to whiten your teeth.

Olive Oil

• Olive oil was used for centuries in Greece and Italy. To use this method to whiten your teeth, first brush your teeth as usual. Saturate the corner of a clean, dry cotton cloth with olive oil and buff your teeth with it. Repeat this every night to whiten your teeth and keep them white.

Peroxide

• Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent. To whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, brush your teeth as usual and follow by swishing 2 tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide around in your mouth for one minute.