Beauty Do It Yourself: At Home Teeth Whitening

Having a mouth full of bright, white teeth will instantly make you look and feel more beautiful and confident–who can resist a gorgeous smile? Unfortunately, dark food and beverages can yellow and darken your teeth over time. Expensive teeth bleaching procedures and over-the-counter whitening strips, toothpastes, gels, and creams can give you the brighter smile you desire–but did you know that there is a simple and inexpensive do it yourself option using ingredients you probably already have in your home?

Next time you are at the store, look at the list of ingredients on the back of those expensive whitening products and you will likely find that peroxide is the main active ingredient–yes, the same hydrogen peroxide you can buy at the pharmacy for less than $5 a bottle. Hydrogen peroxide in a bottle or in a whitening strip is still the same ingredient, and there are several ways you can use it to whiten your teeth:

First and foremost, make sure that the peroxide you are using is the 3% solution. Anything higher and you are accidentally using industrial strength peroxide, which is definitely NOT safe to use in your mouth. Secondly, be careful not to swallow peroxide as it is very dangerous to consume.  If you accidentally swallow peroxide, call poison control.  Finally, as with most health-related things, check with your dentist before using and discontinue use if you experience any redness or discomfort in your mouth or on your gums.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening Paste

1. Mix together 2 teaspoons of peroxide and 3 teaspoons of baking soda until it forms a paste. Add a tiny bit of mint toothpaste or a drop of peppermint extract to give your paste a minty flavor.
2. Apply it to the surface of your teeth using your toothbrush or finger, avoiding the gum line.
3. Let it sit on your teeth for 1-2 minutes.
4. Rinse with water and brush with a fluoride toothpaste.

Please note: This method can be a bit harsh for some people starting out.  Use with caution.

Another method is to use peroxide as a mouthwash, which may be more gentle for some people.  If you look on the side of some of the peroxide bottles, it will even give you instructions on how to use it as mouthwash.  Here is an effective method:

Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash

1. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Rinse with a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide for 30-60 seconds . There are dilution directions on the bottle, but it is usually half water and half hydrogen peroxide. When the hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with your mouth, a chemical reaction will take place and it will begin to foam.  Start by swishing with a small amount so you don’t end up foaming at the mouth.
3. Spit out the rinse, do not swallow hydrogen peroxide.
4. Don’t eat or drink for 30 minutes.

There you have it–a cheap and easy way to whiten your teeth using ingredients you probably already have in your home!  Do you have any helpful do it yourself beauty tips and tricks?  Feel free to share them with us in the comments!

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