Never underestimate the value of a smile. It can communicate happiness and health, and a smile can be a beauty-focal point of your face. Haven’t you noticed perfect smiles on the red carpet? It’s those straight, white teeth, and red lipsticks that are begging paparazzi to keep coming back for more Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears. (Or perhaps it’s more than just their smiles =) ).
The craze for that perfect smile has flooded Hollywood and has leaked into our everyday life. We are bombarded with television infomercials promising white-out shade teeth in “just 30 minutes a day.” Even your local drug store is lined with teeth whitening kits promising “10 shades lighter in just five minutes a day.” However, little is shade about the pricing of these services: a bleaching session with a dentist can cost upwards of $400, while strips and trays are priced at ~$40 and requires continual usage. Is there a home recipe for teeth whitening that can accomplish the same task for cheaper?
Quick research on the web will suggest that hydrogen peroxide is a good agent for teeth whitening. However, dentists have reported that the over-the-counter peroxide is not the same ingredient as ones found in bleaching gel. Bleaching gel contains carbamide peroxide as well as some concentrated hydrogen peroxide. If you want to whiten your teeth but would rather not pay for the strips or professional service, try the home recipe for teeth whitening : Take one teaspoon of baking soda and some drops of hydrogen peroxide (no more than 3%). Mix these ingredients and form a paste. Brush your teeth with this paste. To prevent decay, you must brush your teeth again with a fluoride toothpaste . Repeat once a week or two. You’ll love the result!
If the recipe works so well, why use it only once a week? Baking soda is abrasive and can damage your gum and can permanently damage the enamel of your teeth. Baking soda can dissolve orthodontic glue. Do not use this method if you have braces or a permanent retainer. Please do not go out and buy concentrated hydrogen peroxide in attempt to whiten your teeth. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer and can cause damage at a concentration higher than recommended (3%). Beware, using strong hydrogen peroxide for rinsing may result in abnormal hair growth, so keep an eye out for a hairy tongue. In addition to the hairy tongue, you may even subject yourself to hydrogen peroxide burns. (Just stick with the 3% hydrogen peroxide).
(photo from Americanrocketman.com)I’m sure you’ve heard about using lemon juice to whiten teeth. My advice is to not do it. Lemon juice is an acid and with the nature of all acid, it can be damaging, especially to tooth enamel. Initially, you will notice “whiter” teeth; this is because the lemon juice causes the teeth to lose calcium (has an off-white color). Once the calcium is gone, your teeth are more susceptible to decay.
If the self assembly, home kit is too much of a hassle, try professional bleaching products. These products often contain low sensitivity formulas and a higher percentage(~20%) of carbamide peroxide, the form of peroxide that dentist use. Check out products by the SmileSalon at this link: The smile salon. The results can be drastic (several shades) in one sitting. However, if you have a few weeks to spare, the above home recipe for teeth whitening should work.
Happy brushing!
1. Teeth Whitening Blog- What is the Best Way?
I’ve been using that same formula for about five years now and it has made a significant difference with the appearance of my teeth. Glad you’re spreading the words it.
Comment by Annie — February 18, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
It’s true. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide when used alone can do some serious damage, but the diluted version is great.
Comment by Pearliewhite — February 19, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
How long do I have to brush for?
Comment by Michael Young — March 4, 2008 @ 4:37 pm
Michael- I brush in circular motion for about a minute or two. You shouldn’t brush for too long since the baking soda is pretty abrasive and can irritate your gum.
Pearliewhite- Thank you for your comment
Comment by cosmeticchemist — March 11, 2008 @ 2:49 am
Annie- Thanks for the comment
Comment by cosmeticchemist — March 11, 2008 @ 2:50 am
I’ve ordered the Smile Salon Teeth Whitening kit and it has made a big difference. Works so fast! Thanks for the recommendations.
Comment by Sheri T — March 19, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
Do you HAVE TO brush with fluoride toothpaste afterwards? Because I am allergic and can’t use it.
Comment by Jess — April 8, 2008 @ 10:56 am
Jess- You’re right. It is recommended that you brush with fluoride immediately after. The fluoride will close the holes that was created in your teeth. But most of all, it’ll make that slight tingling feeling go away. If you’re allergic to fluoride, I suggest you talk with a dentist. They usually have better alternatives! Thank you for stopping by
Comment by cosmeticchemist — April 8, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
I’ve tried the baking soda for one month and I’ve noticed improvement in the color of my teeth. I agree with you sugesstion to not brush with baking soda and hydrogen p. too often, I tried it three times a week and it was WAY to much. Hurted my gums. But once a week was fine for me. Felt cleaner too.
Comment by anh — July 11, 2008 @ 4:03 am
http://teethwhiteningcalifornia.org/ awesome site check it out.
Comment by Jason — October 26, 2008 @ 1:42 am
hello freaky pic!!!!1
Comment by Anonymous — November 12, 2008 @ 11:50 am
I want properly white teeth quite quickly is there any way to whiten my teeth virtualy instantly?
Comment by Adam — December 9, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
To answer Adam’s question, I think you will need instant cash. A dentist can whiten your teeth several shades with one session, but it’ll cost you a few benjamins (yikes!) You can try at home kits like the one recommended in this article. My experiences with them are favorable, but they do not whiten as well as a dentist. Usually, they require several sessions. But the price difference is worth the effort!
Comment by Candice — December 9, 2008 @ 6:28 pm
hey man, awesome post, I really enjoyed the read. Keep up the good work man, if you keep up posts like this your blog will be a hit in no time
BTW, I was reading another blog and this guy seemed to have your style… is this another of your blogs? Teeth Bleaching
Anyway, thanks for the read, I’ll be back soon
Comment by James M. — April 26, 2009 @ 6:02 am
Pretty excited to see if this works. i recently quit smoking and im addicted to diet coke ha, ive noticed my teeth losing theyre pearly whiteness and want it back desperately!!
Comment by Lauren — May 7, 2009 @ 1:05 am
it werks?
Comment by tommy b — July 16, 2009 @ 8:38 pm