How to make teeth whitener at home

Everyone wants a Hollywood smile with teeth that are dazzling white. Unfortunately, day-to-day living often results in stained dental surfaces. Consumption of coffee, tea, cola, wine, smoking or just plain aging can make teeth appear yellowish and dull.

Drugstore preparations, such as whitening strips, pastes, mouthwashes and paints are expensive and by no means foolproof. They work better for some people than others. If a dentist whitens your teeth, it will be even harder on your pocket book.

Before opting for costlier remedies, why not try one of several homemade whitening agents which others have found to be safe and effective? There are a number of cheap and easy to obtain preparations which can be used at home which will give very satisfactory results. Among them are the following:

1. Once or twice weekly, swish a capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide all around your mouth. Immediately after, swish with water, then brush with your regular toothpaste. The hydrogen peroxide will disinfect any small abrasions in your mouth, whiten your teeth and freshen your breath. Caution: do not use hydrogen peroxide stronger than 3%. It can be poisonous.

2. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with 3 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Mix and brush as you would with toothpaste. Rinse mouth well. Repeat only once a week. Baking soda is abrasive and can damage the enamel on your teeth.

3. Crush a large strawberry and mix with a tablespoon of baking soda to make a paste. Using a soft toothbrush spread the mixture on your teeth and leave for 5 minutes. Brush with your regular toothpaste and rinse well. Use once a week.

4. Mix a teaspoon of white apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and use as a mouthwash. It's important to dilute the vinegar because it is acidic and may damage tooth enamel with extended use.

5. Eating fruit daily is an effective way to whiten teeth. Chewing apples, strawberries, and orange peels will gently scrub teeth, massage gums, reduce plaque and promote production of saliva which protects oral health. In addition, all fruit contains malic acid, a gentle, natural tooth whitener.

Don't expect immediate results; improvement in the appearance of teeth will be gradual, probably occurring over a number of weeks. This is good, because too sudden a change would be noticeable and everyone would know that your dazzling smile is not natural. Also, it will be necessary to repeat whatever procedure you choose to keep teeth sparkling indefinitely.

Entertainers and indeed anyone in the public eye know that white teeth are importance. They testify to good health and good oral hygiene and contribute to a youthful appearance.

Movie stars spend thousands to ensure that their dazzling smiles are always ready for photographers' cameras and the fans' adoring gazes. With a few minutes, little know-how and some common household materials, anyone can obtain the same effect at home. Why not give it a try?