How to Whiten Your Teeth Using Natural Ingredients

Who doesn't want that bright, white smile sported by numerous movie stars? Unlike our famous counterparts, most of us can't afford multiple trips to the dentist and even the whitening strips are out of reach for many. Why not give some natural and cheaper items a try?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baking Soda OR
• Hydrogen Peroxide OR
• Strawberries OR
• A combination of the above

1. 
    

   One of my favorite natural ingredients, baking soda can be used for so many different things, including whitening your teeth. Most dentists agree that it's safe to use and that it works quickly. You can simply wet a toothbrush and dip it into some baking soda and brush as normal. If the taste bothers you, simply add some toothpaste to the brush before brushing. Rinse mouth with water.

2. 
    

   Peroxide can be found in most homes and it's cheap, which is a plus. Just brush your teeth as you normally do and then swish a couple teaspoons around your mouth for a minute. After swishing, spit out the peroxide and rinse well with water. You can also just dip a cotton swab into the peroxide and rub over your teeth.

3. 
    

   When using strawberries to whiten teeth, you can either slice a berry in half and rub the cut side over your teeth or use a fork to mash it and then use the mashed berry like a toothpaste. Since strawberries contain acid and natural sugars, it's important to brush your teeth immediately after applying the strawberries.

Tips & Warnings

• Any of the ingredients used in the article can be combined for even greater whitening power.
• No matter what ingredients are used, be sure to rinse mouth well with water when done.
• Remember that our teeth have a naturally light, yellowish tint due to calcium, an important part of tooth enamel.
• There are certain behaviors that can increase the liklihood of yellow teeth, such as drinking coffee, tea and soda and smoking.
• Optimum whitening can take a couple of weeks, so don't expect snow white teeth overnight.
• Limit the use of these items to 3 or 4 days a week.
• If your teeth are yellowed from the inside out, such as due to antibiotic use, the only real way to whiten your teeth is with laser treatment.