Whiter Teeth ♥

White teeth project health, youth, confidence, and cleanliness but who has the money for professional laser treatments at the dentist?! The closest and most popular alternatives are whitening strips and trays but even those are usually around $50. Well, I've discovered a way to get noticeably whiter teeth for a little over $1.

What you'll need:

Baking soda (found in the baking section of most stores)

Hydrogen peroxide (probably under your sink)

Mixing bowl (any small one from your kitchen will do)

Toothbrush (make sure it's "soft")

Spoon (a regular-sized table spoon)

Once you have all of that on hand, you're set! First, just add about a half of a flat spoonful of baking soda into your bowl. You really don't need very much, trust me. After that, just gradually pour some peroxide onto the baking soda. Use only enough peroxide to make the powder transform into a paste. If you use too much and it becomes runny, just add a little more baking soda.

When you're satisfied with the consistency of your mixture, go to a nearby sink with it and the toothbrush. Scoop the paste out with your toothbrush and simply scrub it onto your teeth as if you're brushing them. It won't exactly be tasty so try not to get too much on your tongue. Brush in a circular motion all over the surface of your teeth, especially the front. Mix up more of the paste if you feel the need.

It's important to use a "soft" toothbrush and not brush too hard because this mixture is strong and that's what makes it effective. Peroxide kills bacteria in your mouth and baking soda can feel a little harsh on your gums so just be gentle.

Once you're done brushing your teeth, spit out the excess mixture. If you have any of the paste mixture left, add enough peroxide to it for it to constitute as a liquid mouth rinse. If you don't have any more paste, just pour out a little cup of peroxide by itself and now use this as a mouthwash. Swish it around your mouth to rinse that paste. You'll feel it foaming up and you may feel a tingle or stinging sensation on your gums, this is cleaning the bacteria. Just to be clear, this is safe. It should say on the label of the Peroxide that an oral rinse is one of its uses. Just don't swallow it. When you spit out the peroxide, feel free to rinse again with water and then you're done.

After all of this, you might see or feel the aftereffects of peroxide on your gums but don't worry. Peroxide is antibacterial and can also help with sore teeth. This is the time when you should brush your teeth if you'd like to get the bad taste out of your mouth.

As far as toothpaste, I have some recommendations. If you're someone who's really on a budget, try UltraBrite toothpaste. It's whitening toothpaste by the makers of Colgate but it's under $1. You can find it in Walmart, Target, drugstores, and even some dollar stores and it works pretty well. As for other whitening toothpastes, I tend to like ones by Colgate and Crest.

You may not see the whitening results directly afterward, but keep at it for a few weeks. This method not even really damaging to your teeth so you can do it pretty frequently, unlike most whitening products. As far as maintaining the whiteness while gradually whitening teeth in between treatments like these, I like to incorporate baking soda and peroxide into my everyday brushing routine by dipping my toothpaste-covered toothbrush in the baking soda before brushing and then using peroxide as a rinse once I'm done. I've definitely noticed a difference in my teeth and they actually feel less sensitive than before I did this! It's definitely worth a try.