According to a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most important thing people want to change about their smiles is the whiteness of their teeth. One way to confirm this fact is by reviewing the number of times people do an online search for DIY white teeth!
There are plenty of ways to achieve beautifully white teeth with over-the-counter kits, whitening products, and whitening procedures at dental offices—all good ways to get white teeth. And that can get expensive.
But here’s the deal: Bright smiles and white teeth were desirable long before there were whitening kits, strips, trays, pens, toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional treatments. Homemade whitening pastes are cheap to make, easy to use, and remarkably effective. In short, DIY white teeth!
DIY White Teeth Recipes
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
My dentist explains that ordinary kitchen staple baking soda releases free radicals that break down stain-causing molecules on tooth enamel. Combine that with hydrogen peroxide, which has a natural bleaching effect, and you get a tremendous teeth-whitening result.
Mix two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide (i.e., 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide). Stir it into a paste. Use immediately as you would toothpaste, to brush your teeth. Let the paste stand for about one minute, then rinse thoroughly with clear water until none of the paste remains.
It is important to use fresh hydrogen peroxide that has been stored in a dark cupboard because it breaks down quickly, rendering it ineffective when exposed to light. Stored this way, hydrogen peroxide is good for about six months once opened.
Apple cider vinegar and baking soda
This DIY white teeth technique is one more thing you can add to the list of unique uses for apple cider vinegar (ACV).
Mix two parts apple cider vinegar with 1 part baking soda and stir into a paste. Use this to brush your teeth. Allow to stand for a minute, then rinse well and spit it out. Rinse again.
How to Measure Using "Parts"
Here’s an example of measuring this by “parts” where 1 part = 1/4 cup.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (1/4 = 1 part)
- 1 cup distilled water (1 cup = 4 parts)
You can make 1 part equal any measurement you choose, then multiply accordingly.
Mouthwash
To make an effective whitening mouthwash, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) with one cup of water. Swish this around your mouth, and either spit it out or swallow it. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is good for you, but you should always dilute ACV with water
Swish it around your mouth like a standard mouthwash, but it’s critical that after spitting out your vinegar mouthwash, you rinse your mouth thoroughly—you don’t want any residual acid wearing away enamel!
How to Use DIY White Teeth Products
You may be familiar with the saying, “Too much of a good is not good.” Essentially, that means that even things that are generally positive or enjoyable can become harmful if experienced excessively. We can apply that here.
Two to 3 times a week
Because baking soda has a slight abrasiveness, my dentist recommends limiting the use of homemade recipes containing baking soda to two or three times a week. More frequent use could potentially damage the surface of your teeth.
Once you’ve achieved a level of whiteness you’re happy with, cut back to once a week for maintenance.
Expectations
Don’t expect overnight results with these homemade solutions. It might take a week or two, so be patient.
How to Prevent Discoloration
According to the pros at Colgate Oral Care Center, these are practical steps you can take to maintain your whiter smile:
- Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, wine, sports drinks, tomato sauce, and berries.
- Use a straw when drinking beverages to keep the stain-causing dyes away from teeth.
- Stop smoking. Tobacco causes discoloration and stains on teeth.
Professional care
This article is not intended to substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is for information only. If you’re going to make and use DIY white teeth products, you should consult with a professional and exercise extreme caution to make certain that you’re using baking soda properly, diluting your vinegar correctly, not using it too often, and ultimately not harming your dental health.
Resources
Most households carry these essential ingredients:
You might also find these articles helpful:
- An Ounce of Prevention is Worth Money in the Bank
- 20 Ways Hydrogen Peroxide Can Make Your Life Easier
- Would You Floss for $8,000?
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