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How to Whiten Your Teeth Without Emptying Your Wallet

A Cheap, but Effective Alternative

By Momie Tullottes, published Jun 28, 2007
Published Content: 510  Total Views: 473,155  Favorited By: 361 CPs
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Many people suffer from yellowed teeth. But, you don't have to anymore. Teeth whitening products can be expensive, but there is an alternative that won't even put a dent in your budget. In fact, it will only run you about 50 cents per month, which is highly affordable for most. Following the directions below, you can make your own whitening product and learn how to get the most out of it. I have used this method for years, long before the increased marketing of whitening products. I have never had a problem with yellow teeth since I started this. When I started I was a heavy Mountain Dew drinker (and still am). My teeth would often be stained yellow. Now that is no longer a problem.

Materials:
Hydrogen Peroxide
Small plastic cup (Medicine cups work great)
Baking Soda
Toothbrush

Usage Instructions:
Get all of the above supplies out. Fill the cup halfway with warm water. Fill the rest with hydrogen peroxide. Dip your toothbrush into the hydrogen peroxide mixture. Next, dip it into the baking soda. Brush your teeth with this as you would normally brush your teeth. Don't scrub too hard, as the baking soda scrubs for you. Once you have finished brushing, rinse your mouth out with the remainder of the peroxide/water solution a little at a time. Swish the solution around between your teeth, under your tongue, and between your lips and teeth. Do it for about 30 seconds per mouthful.

The first time you do this expect to have plenty of bubbling action going on with the peroxide. It will seem as though you are foaming at the mouth, but trust me, it's completely okay. Peroxide does not give you rabies. With each mouthful the bubbling will decrease. This bubbling action means that the peroxide is doing its job, which is to kill germs. Peroxide also acts as a bleaching agent. In fact, it is usually the main ingredient in most teeth whitening products, whether they are over the counter or used in dental offices.

The brushing part of the regimen should be done at least once per day. You can alternate it with your favorite toothpaste. If you have sensitive teeth, you may opt to just use the baking soda/peroxide and not use a toothpaste at all. Either is fine.

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From Snopes.com: The two most common compounds found in antifreeze and de-icing solutions are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. The former has been identified as posing a danger to pets, but propylene glycol is much safer than ethylene glycol - it has been classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an additive that is "generally recognized as safe" for use in food, it is found in a variety of medicines and cosmetics, and it is recommended as a safe alternative to antifreeze for pet owners.

Posted on 06/26/2008 at 5:06:54 PM

 
From snopes.com: The two most common compounds found in antifreeze and de-icing solutions are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. The former has been identified as posing a danger to pets, but propylene glycol is much safer than ethylene glycol - it has been classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an additive that is "generally recognized as safe" for use in food, it is found in a variety of medicines and cosmetics, and it is recommended as a safe alternative to antifreeze for pet owners.

Posted on 06/26/2008 at 5:06:50 PM

 
From snopes.com: The two most common compounds found in antifreeze and de-icing solutions are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. The former has been identified as posing a danger to pets, but propylene glycol is much safer than ethylene glycol - it has been classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an additive that is "generally recognized as safe" for use in food, it is found in a variety of medicines and cosmetics, and it is recommended as a safe alternative to antifreeze for pet owners.

Posted on 06/26/2008 at 5:06:35 PM

 
jhvon: Of course, you need to ask your dentist first, but it does work. - BarbaraJeanne, thanks for warning everyone. However, I found this information from a Dr. that says it's actually caffeine that causes the osteoporosis risk, not the carbonation: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA157077

Posted on 02/16/2008 at 6:02:09 AM

 
Laurel1nd: DO try to stop drinking Coke, of any kind. Stay away from ALL carbonated beverages, if you can. Naturally carbonated mineral water is fine (as opposed to club soda where they put the carbonation into it.) CARBONATED BEVERAGES CAUSE OSTEOPOROSIS. Something the soda companies don't want you to know. I love Diet Coke, but have stopped drinking it. I know it's hard to stay away from. Try pure fruit juice, plain water, mineral water, herbal iced teas. Hey, beer and wine are okay, too!

Posted on 02/02/2008 at 2:02:57 PM

 
doez diz really work?

Posted on 02/02/2008 at 2:02:52 PM

 
Oh, also, hydrogen peroxide is the main active ingredient in most teeth whiteners and it's contained in many toothpastes and some mouthwashes. :-)

Posted on 11/27/2007 at 7:11:00 AM

 
Yes, it's bad to ingest, but as long as you don't swallow it, it's safe to use. I don't know the exact amount you'd have to swallow for it to be a problem, but I'm sure that it just being in the mouth isn't a problem. You should ask a doctor or dentist or even the poison control center. :-)

Posted on 11/27/2007 at 7:11:00 AM

 
Isn't hydrogen peroxide bad to ingest?

Posted on 11/26/2007 at 1:11:00 AM

 
You can just use the peroxide, but it works better along with the baking soda. :-)

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 7:11:00 AM

 
i dnt have baking soda what can i use?

Posted on 11/16/2007 at 5:11:00 PM

 
Mary, I guess I missed your comment before. According to docs and dentists I've talked to, baking soda is safe for every day use. However, you should talk to your doc or dentist about what is right for you. I'm glad this is working for you. :-)

Posted on 11/06/2007 at 10:11:00 AM

 
how often should u use baking soda? i heard it was bad to for your teeth to use it everyday. btw this really works thanks! : )

Posted on 07/24/2007 at 8:07:00 PM

 
Laurel, I hope it helps. Sensitive teeth can really be a pain (pun intended).

Posted on 07/13/2007 at 2:07:00 PM

 
Like Brooklynn, I have VERY sensitive teeth, and whitening toothpastes (which she's right about - very scary stuff in them!) make my teeth HURT. (So does the new Crest Pro-Health "All-in-one" - it doesn't work for sensitivity, no matter what the company claims!) I too worried about trying anything with peroxide; I know some of my yellowing is from coffee and from Caffeine Free Coke (diet, and yes I know aspartame is bad, and I'm trying VERY hard to just drink water, but sometimes it's SO hard!), but some of it's hereditary; my mother's teeth were yellow long before she started smoking. I have some hydrogen peroxide (for cuts, etc; I'm allergic to iodine) so will try this - although I may just speak to my dentist first. You explain it so clearly, and make it sound just effortless. I spend a LOT of time cleaning my teeth, and it would be great to get them whiter as well as clean!

Posted on 07/13/2007 at 1:07:00 PM

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