What is an inexpensive and easy way to whiten my teeth?”
Hydrogen Peroxide Does the Trick! The very cheapest and easiest way to whiten your teeth over time is to rinse your mouth twice daily with full-strength 3% hydrogen peroxide! Yes, that’s right–the clear, bubbly liquid in the brown plastic bottle that we immediately run for when we or our children have the misfortune of suffering cuts, scrapes, or scratches while trying to do other, more interesting things! Hydrogen peroxide can definitely be considered a “double-duty” addition to the family medicine cabinet! Aside from its long-recognized value as a first aid antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective mouthwash. (Check the fine print on the label. It will generally tell you that peroxide may be used full strength as a mouthwash and gargle. Unfortunately, though, the majority of us never reap the benefits of using it this way.) Yet that doesn’t change the fact that peroxide is a highly effective method for whitening teeth. With regular use, over time you’ll actually see your
Whiten Your Teeth the Natural Way The secret to this inexpensive home whitening method is malic acid, which acts as an astringent to remove surface discoloration. Combined with baking soda, strawberries become a natural tooth-cleanser, buffing away stains from coffee, red wine, and dark sodas. While it’s no replacement for a bleaching treatment at your dentist’s office, “this is a fast, cheap way to brighten your smile,” says Adina Carrel, DMD, a dentist in private practice at Manhattan Dental Arts in New York. “Be careful not to use this too often, though, as the acid could damage the enamel on your teeth.” You need: 1 ripe strawberry 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Directions: Crush the strawberry to a pulp, then mix with the baking soda until blended. Use a soft toothbrush to spread the mixture onto your teeth. Leave on for 5 minutes, then brush thoroughly with toothpaste to remove the berry–baking soda mix. Rinse. (A little floss will help get rid of any strawberry seeds.) Carrel says you
