DIY White Teeth: How To Make Your Own Teeth Whitener • Everyday Cheapskate (2024)

According to a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most important thing people want to change about their smiles is the whiteness of their teeth. One way to confirm this fact is by reviewing the number of times people do an online search for DIY white teeth!

DIY White Teeth: How To Make Your Own Teeth Whitener • Everyday Cheapskate (1)

There are plenty of ways to achieve beautifully white teeth with over-the-counter kits, whitening products, and whitening procedures at dental offices—all good ways to get white teeth. And that can get expensive.

But here’s the deal: Bright smiles and white teeth were desirable long before there were whitening kits, strips, trays, pens, toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional treatments. Homemade whitening pastes are cheap to make, easy to use, and remarkably effective. In short, DIY white teeth!

DIY White Teeth Recipes

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

My dentist explains that ordinary kitchen staple baking soda releases free radicals that break down stain-causing molecules on tooth enamel. Combine that with hydrogen peroxide, which has a natural bleaching effect, and you get a tremendous teeth-whitening result.

Mix two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide (i.e., 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide). Stir it into a paste. Use immediately as you would toothpaste, to brush your teeth. Let the paste stand for about one minute, then rinse thoroughly with clear water until none of the paste remains.

It is important to use fresh hydrogen peroxide that has been stored in a dark cupboard because it breaks down quickly, rendering it ineffective when exposed to light. Stored this way, hydrogen peroxide is good for about six months once opened.

Apple cider vinegar and baking soda

This DIY white teeth technique is one more thing you can add to the list of unique uses for apple cider vinegar (ACV).

Mix two parts apple cider vinegar with 1 part baking soda and stir into a paste. Use this to brush your teeth. Allow to stand for a minute, then rinse well and spit it out. Rinse again.

How to Measure Using "Parts"

Here’s an example of measuring this by “parts” where 1 part = 1/4 cup.

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (1/4 = 1 part)
  • 1 cup distilled water (1 cup = 4 parts)

You can make 1 part equal any measurement you choose, then multiply accordingly.

Mouthwash

To make an effective whitening mouthwash, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) with one cup of water. Swish this around your mouth, and either spit it out or swallow it. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is good for you, but you should always dilute ACV with water

Swish it around your mouth like a standard mouthwash, but it’s critical that after spitting out your vinegar mouthwash, you rinse your mouth thoroughly—you don’t want any residual acid wearing away enamel!

How to Use DIY White Teeth Products

You may be familiar with the saying, “Too much of a good is not good.” Essentially, that means that even things that are generally positive or enjoyable can become harmful if experienced excessively. We can apply that here.

Two to 3 times a week

Because baking soda has a slight abrasiveness, my dentist recommends limiting the use of homemade recipes containing baking soda to two or three times a week. More frequent use could potentially damage the surface of your teeth.

Once you’ve achieved a level of whiteness you’re happy with, cut back to once a week for maintenance.

Expectations

Don’t expect overnight results with these homemade solutions. It might take a week or two, so be patient.

How to Prevent Discoloration

According to the pros at Colgate Oral Care Center, these are practical steps you can take to maintain your whiter smile:

  • Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, wine, sports drinks, tomato sauce, and berries.
  • Use a straw when drinking beverages to keep the stain-causing dyes away from teeth.
  • Stop smoking. Tobacco causes discoloration and stains on teeth.

Professional care

This article is not intended to substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is for information only. If you’re going to make and use DIY white teeth products, you should consult with a professional and exercise extreme caution to make certain that you’re using baking soda properly, diluting your vinegar correctly, not using it too often, and ultimately not harming your dental health.

Resources

Most households carry these essential ingredients:

You might also find these articles helpful:

  • An Ounce of Prevention is Worth Money in the Bank
  • 20 Ways Hydrogen Peroxide Can Make Your Life Easier
  • Would You Floss for $8,000?

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DIY White Teeth: How To Make Your Own Teeth Whitener • Everyday Cheapskate (2024)

FAQs

DIY White Teeth: How To Make Your Own Teeth Whitener • Everyday Cheapskate? ›

DIY White Teeth Recipes

How to make homemade teeth whitening? ›

Pinterest Tip: Mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Use a Q-tip or cotton ball and gently swab teeth. After 30 seconds, rinse and brush teeth.

What is the cheapest way to whiten your teeth? ›

Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.

How can I make my teeth whiter without buying anything? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

What makes your teeth white fast at home? ›

Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.

Does Vicks VapoRub whiten teeth? ›

Vicks VapoRub is toxic to consume and should not be used for teeth whitening.

How to whiten teeth at home in one day? ›

10 Ways to Whiten Teeth in a Day and Keep Healthy Gums
  1. Brush with Baking Soda. ...
  2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  3. Activated Charcoal. ...
  4. Powdered milk and toothpaste. ...
  5. Coconut Oil Pulling with Baking soda. ...
  6. Essential Oils Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  7. Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  8. Baking Soda and Strawberry Paste.
Mar 27, 2019

Does apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›

Due to it's high acidity, ACV is not recommended for teeth whitening. If you use it, it is best to dilute it and ensure you are rinsing your teeth afterward. There are better alternatives for teeth whitening, including the use of teeth whitening strips, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda.

How to whiten teeth overnight? ›

Brush a thin, even layer of whitening serum to clean, dry teeth and allow a few seconds for it to dry. Go to sleep (4-6 hours is recommended for best whitening results) and brush your teeth when you wake up to remove the whitening serum. Then, admire your smile!

Can salt whiten teeth? ›

Since salt and baking soda are abrasive they could remove stains from teeth, but that's like trying to lighten your floors by sanding them down, said Messina, who is also a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

How to permanently whiten teeth? ›

One of the most effective ways to whiten teeth permanently is through professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dentist. These treatments use potent bleaching agents that penetrate deep into the enamel, breaking down stains and discoloration.

How do you get white teeth in 5 minutes? ›

#1 – Try toothpaste sea salt baking soda and lemon juice

Brush your teeth with this mixture for four to five minutes. You'll see the difference in just one use but don't get too excited. That immediate result is due to the fact that this treatment is POTENT! You can use this method only once every two months.

How to get white teeth in 1 day with baking soda? ›

To try this method, mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Brush your teeth with the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse with water. Make sure you use hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% or less.

How can I make my teeth super white in a week? ›

Here are some tips for achieving a brighter smile in just one week !
  1. Brush a nd Floss Regularly:
  2. Avoid Foods a nd Drinks That Stain Teeth:
  3. Use a Whitening Kit:
  4. Visit Your Dentist f or Professional Whitening:
  5. Wrapping Up.
Apr 10, 2023

How can I naturally whiten my teeth in 5 minutes? ›

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO MAKE YOUR TEETH WHITER IN FIVE MINUTES
  1. MUSTARD OIL AND SALT. It is a unique home remedy for teeth whitening and for killing the harmful bacteria in your mouth. ...
  2. BAKING SODA AND LEMON JUICE. It is another home remedy to whiten your teeth considerably, from the comforts of your own home. ...
  3. BANANA PEEL.
Aug 8, 2018

Do baking soda and peroxide whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda is abrasive and helps remove stains from the surface of your teeth which makes them appear whiter. However, baking soda does not help remove the old stains. Therefore mixing it with hydrogen peroxide helps whiten your teeth. The mixture forms a paste which stays on your teeth while brushing them.

Do lemon and baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda is abrasive and lemon juice is acidic. Together they form a destructive duo that corrodes tooth enamel. This will undoubtedly remove surface stains, but it will also damage the protective layer of your teeth in the process. Enamel is there to defend your teeth and once it's gone, it's gone forever.

How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

As the baking soda only removes stains from the surface level of the teeth and not the enamel it can be passable at removing light stains such as coffee and food, but you might not notice a big difference for four to six weeks.

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