Caring for an Elderly Parent With Special Dental Needs

Can't Afford Professional Teeth Whitening? Try These Home Remedies For Whiter Teeth

13 January 2015

Joe Lawrence

Going to a dentist for professional teeth whitening is a fabulous and quick way to whiten your teeth and dramatically improve your appearance. However, since the average price tag to get your teeth professionally whitened can be between $300 and $400, most people cannot afford to do this often, if at all. As a result, even after you do manage to budget in teeth whitening from a dentist, you may not be able to go as often as you need to keep your teeth completely white. For those folks who cannot afford professional teeth whitening or simply need affordable ways to maintain their professional whitening results, here are some very affordable and highly effective ways to whiten them at home.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Some of the professional whitening kits use a strong solution of peroxide, so you can also use a milder solution at home. Simply put your regular toothpaste on your toothbrush, add a dollop of liquid hydrogen peroxide atop, and brush well. Be sure that you don't swallow any of the peroxide. If you use peroxide regularly, not only will it greatly help whiten your teeth, it can also help kill harmful bacteria that leads to tooth decay for a win-win solution.

Baking Soda or Salt

Baking soda or salt can also be used to help keep your teeth looking whiter. Both of these substances are harmless and mild abrasives that can help gently scrape away some types of stains from your teeth. Add the baking soda or salt to your toothpaste before you brush, and make sure to rinse well when you are done. These two methods work more slowly than peroxide, and they may not be suitable for those with very sensitive teeth. However, for those with proper enamel, this is an excellent and long-term way to help remove surface stains from teeth.

Certain Foods

Just as certain foods, such as carrots or beets, can darken your teeth, some foods can help whiten them. Strawberries contain a mild malic acid that can help remove surface stains. Apples and celery, when bitten, help also gently rub away some surface stains as well. Citrus fruits, which contain loads of vitamin C, can help activate the salivary glands, which will wash away some of the stains, and can also help make your teeth healthier.  

Although there is no substitute for the spectacular and instant results from professional teeth whitening, these home remedies can help you brighten your smile for very little cost.

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