Give Whitening Toothpaste a Try
If you brush your teeth regularly (as you should!), this teeth-whitening fix takes almost no extra effort or money. Simply switch out your regular toothpaste with one that’s targeted at whitening your teeth. This type of toothpaste works by using chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, to break down stains on your teeth. Then, a bleaching agent coats your teeth to give them that extra shine, similar to how you’d get stains out of a dirty T-shirt. By using whitening toothpaste, you can expect your teeth to become gradually brighter over a few weeks.Use Whitening Strips for a Quicker Result
If you don’t have weeks to wait for whiter teeth, you should try whitening strips instead. Whitening strips work almost exactly the same as whitening toothpaste, in that they coat the teeth in corrosive chemicals and bleach. People who employ whitening strips usually see results within the first week. There is some danger in using strips, however, as overuse can cause damage to your teeth’s enamel.Do It Yourself With Baking Soda
If the sound of bleaching your teeth doesn’t sound pleasant and you’d like to save a little money, you can try making your own whitening concoctions. Baking soda is a popular ingredient in such DIY teeth-whitening solutions. You can easily make your own whitening paste by mixing baking soda and lemon juice. To apply this mixture, use your toothbrush to apply this abrasive paste, which will help scrub away the stains on your teeth. Let sit for a minute, and then rinse. Easy! For a different taste, you can use mashed strawberries and baking soda as well.Go Natural Using Turmeric
If you want to avoid all chemicals and go completely natural, turmeric might be the way for you–but it might not be pleasant. Turmeric is a powder that comes from the ginger family, and it’s most popularly used in curry. The taste is not in any way similar to the minty taste you’re used to when brushing your teeth. The application is similar to the baking soda method: dip your wet toothbrush in turmeric powder, brush your teeth as you usually would, and let the powder sit on your teeth for a few minutes before rinsing. Many people don’t like using turmeric because of its pungent, off-putting taste, but many others swear by its effects. Keep in mind that turmeric will stain your toothbrush, so you might need to make a small investment in a new one.
These teeth-whitening solutions are easy and low-cost, but they’re quick fixes to what could be a larger, underlying problem with your dental habits. Consider why you’re unhappy with your teeth and if you need to change your dental habits. And as always, talk with your dentist to get the best professional opinion tailored to your needs.
