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Homemade Teeth Whitening Recipes

Tooth whiteners help those who have stains and discolorations on their teeth regain their bright white smile. By using a combination of bleaching and polishing, whiteners work to remove the blemishes that things like coffee, tea and smoking can leave behind. Unfortunately, professional treatment can be prohibitively expensive; even products designed to be used at home can be quite pricey. The good news is you can make tooth whiteners at home with simple, common household items for a fraction of the cost of their commercial counterparts.

  1. Baking Soda

    • Regular applications of baking soda can be an easy, yet effective way to whiten your teeth. Simply moisten your toothbrush and roll the damp bristles across the baking soda. Then brush your teeth as normal, using soda rather than standard issue toothpaste. When a thick paste is created from baking soda and water, the bicarbonate dissolves slightly, creating a gentle cleanser. This cleanser is able to work its way into the cracks and cervices of tooth enamel, scrubbing away entrenched stains and removing unsightly plaque build up. Additionally, baking soda can help to regulate the pH inside of the oral cavity, helping to reduce the population of unhealthy bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

    Hydrogen Peroxide

    • To amplify the effect of the baking soda, try combining 1 tsp. of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 1 tbsp. of baking soda and brushing the resulting mixture on to your teeth. Peroxide is a well known bleaching agent and can be a welcome addition to your dental care regime if whiter teeth are your goal. If you find the taste off-putting, reduce the quantity of original ingredients, using a 1 tsp. of baking soda and 1/8 tsp. of hydrogen peroxide, then add 1 tsp. of minty mouthwash and apply the mixture to your teeth. Be careful not to swallow this particular formula as the peroxide can induce vomiting if ingested.

    Trays

    • If your teeth are in serious need of whitening and the daily brushing doesn't seem to be having the desired results, you may to expose your teeth to a whitening agent for an extended period of time. In the dental industry this is generally accomplished by filling a mouthpiece or tray with bleaching products and holding it in your mouth for 20 to 30 minutes. To make a tray at home, try wrapping a sheet of aluminium foil around your teeth. Remove the wrapper and fill with baking soda paste. Then replace the homemade tray, ensuring the treatment comes into contact with the tooth enamel. Leave the tray in place for approximately 30 minutes, then remove and brush teeth as normal. For the best results, repeat this application twice a week until the desired shade of white is achieved.

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