Inexpensive and Easy Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

There are many ways to whiten teeth, but some of them take a lot of money and time. Want to get white teeth fast? Here are easy inexpensive tips.

Teeth-whitening gum - Most of the major chewing gum companies make a variety of gum that promises to whiten teeth. I have been a gum chewer for years, and I find that tooth whitening gum makes teeth look whiter after just a few minutes of chewing. Buy gum in 60-piece plastic canisters versus individual packs to save money. A 60-piece container costs about $2.68, and packaged gum runs $1.19 for 12 to 15 pieces. You get twice as much gum for the price.

Xylitol products - The active ingredient in teeth whitening gum is xylitol, a sugar alcohol. You would think that dentists would frown on chewing gum, but some actually advocate chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol. Besides whitening teeth, xylitol strengthens teeth, helps prevent bacteria and tooth decay and even reduces sinus and ear infections.

Baking soda and salt - You can purchase baking soda and peroxide toothpaste but for stubborn tooth stain, make a paste of baking soda and table salt. The taste isn't pleasant, but this combination has many benefits. It cleans teeth and prevents bacteria growth and tooth decay. Baking soda and salt also heals mouth injuries, like canker sores. They are natural antiseptics. Baking soda and salt help ward off infection and detox the system.

Peroxide mouth rinse - Before brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with an ounce of diluted hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide "boils" to lift food particles off from teeth. Peroxide is an excellent whitener also. Peroxide will foam and feel strange in your mouth, but it has a healing, cleansing effect. You will notice whiter teeth after just one treatment.

Pre-brush mouth rinse - Most companies make a pre-brush whitening rinse. There are store brands, as well. Use pre-brush rinse to loosen food from teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth after rinsing. Follow-up brushing will be more effective, too. Teeth are visibly whiter after one use.

Teeth whitening toothpaste - Brushing twice a day with teeth-whitening toothpaste will not only clean your teeth, but make them stronger and healthier. Typically, teeth whitening toothpaste contains baking soda and toothpaste.

Avoid toothpaste with bleach - Some teeth-whitening toothpastes contain bleach. I don't use bleach toothpaste for my family because it can be unhealthy. Excessive use of bleach will eventually cause yellowing. Bleach also isn't necessary to whiten teeth. Natural ingredients work best.

There is no need to spend big money on expensive professional teeth-whitening. Be a penny pincher, and you'll see whiter teeth almost immediately.