3 Ways to Whiten Your Teeth Without Spending a Lot of Money (2024)

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Medically reviewed byTu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: May 16, 2022References

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   Try a tray or gel. Trays and gels designed to whiten teeth can be purchased over the counter at most supermarkets or drug stores. Such methods are fairly effective, 80% of users reporting results.^[1]

   • Read the instructions on the gel and tray you purchase so you know exactly how the product should be used. Some trays should be worn for a few hours a day while others are worn every night.
   • Squeeze the recommended amount of peroxide gel onto the whitening tray. Insert the trays into your mouth. Place them into your mouth and gently close your mouth. The gel that is included with these rays is carbamide peroxide instead of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the kind of gel used in a dental office and it is activated with a lamp. The carbamide peroxide does not require a lamp. If you feel extra gel running over your teeth, wipe it away. Remove the trays after the required amount of time has passed.
   • While this method is effective for most people, some users report teeth sensitivity and sore gums as a result. If you have these side effects, cease use and talk to your dentist about whether the product is safe for you.
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   Try whitening strips. Whitening strips, which cost $20 to $30 per box, are a relatively cost effective way to whiten teeth and they can work even better if you have done a teeth whitening treatment in the past. Hydrogen peroxide is placed on a strip that's placed over the teeth and left on for a set amount of time to increase whiteness.^[2]

   • Read the instructions before using your whitening strips. The duration the strips are left on and how to apply varies from product to product. Some strips actually dissolve so they do not require removal but still it would be best to avoid swallowing your saliva during the procedure. Remember that any whitening substance has a certain amount of toxicity.
   • Be careful when applying the strips. The hydrogen peroxide can burn hands and gums. Do not leave the strips on longer than recommended, as this can cause gum sensitivity and a burning sensation in the mouth. Check your gums in the mirror to see if there are any changes that usually look like white lines over the gum line. You can also breathe through your mouth or try drinking a bit of cold water to check your teeth sensitivity.
   • This method is best used if you're not trying to white teeth fast as it can take up to a few weeks to work.
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   See Also

   All Your Teeth Whitening Questions Answered By The Pros Who Actually Know3 Ways to Maintain White TeethHow to Use Prescription Gel to Whiten Teeth: 10 Steps3 Ways to Get Whiter Teeth Fast

   Use paint ons. Paint ons are a popular, relatively inexpensive over-the-counter product that allow you to apply whitening gel directly to the teeth. However, this method is tricky as the chemicals that whiten teeth can leak onto gums and hands, causing burning and irritation, and the substance is also washed away by saliva. You must also order paint-ons via delivery, as the chemicals contained in them need to be delivered in a sealed package. This method also takes awhile to work. It might be a few months before you see results.^[3]

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   Try whitening devices. Whitening devices are closed system mouth pieces that apply heat and light to teeth. This accelerates the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, resulting in whiter teeth. While somewhat more expensive than other methods, whitening devices tend to work quicker. You can expect to see results in just a couple of days. Check with your dentist first to see if you can safely use one of these devices.

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   Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. When combined with water, baking soda releases free radicals that break down molecules that cause stains and ultimately leads to a whiter smile. Making a simple toothpaste at home, using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, can help whiten your teeth.

   • Combine baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, using slightly less baking soda. Mix into a fine paste that is not too gritty.
   • Brush the paste onto your teeth. Let it stand for about a minute and then rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. If any of the paste remains on, brush your teeth again with an over the counter toothpaste.
   • Do not use this paste more than two or three times a week as excessive use of baking soda can actually break down tooth enamel and cause soreness and tooth decay.
   • Make sure to counter the abrasive effects of baking soda by using fluoride toothpaste once a day and leaving it on for two minutes before rinsing.
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   Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, especially when used with baking soda, can remove stains from teeth. You can make a whitening paste of two parts apple cider vinegar and one part baking soda. Use this paste to brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a week and you can expect to see results in a few weeks.

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   Experiment with peppermint leaf and coconut oil. Peppermint leaf and coconut oil, available for purchase at many health stores, can be used to whiten teeth. You can mash up a few leaves of peppermint into a few tablespoons of coconut oil and use this as a paste for your teeth 2 to 3 times a week. While consensus in the dentist community is still out, some of the chemicals found in coconut oil could potentially lighten teeth and also remove bacteria and prevent new stains from attaching on the tooth surface. Some people have found this method effective for them personally.

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   Change your diet. Changing your eating and drinking habits can help maintain white teeth. Some foods are more likely to stain teeth and some can help maintain whiteness.

   • Most types of berries, like blueberries, blackberries, and cherries, can stain teeth with streaks of blue, purple, or red. Strawberries, however, are acidic enough that they can actually whiten by breaking down bacteria causing stains and can also be used with baking soda to brighten your teeth.^[4]
   • Be careful when drinking wine and coffee. Both tend to stain teeth. If you really want a cup of coffee with breakfast or wine with dinner, sip water while drinking. Slosh the water around in your mouth to remove any excess coffee or wine to prevent staining. Adding milk or cream to coffee can also reduce staining.^[5]
   • Seeds, nuts, and other harder grains that require chewing can help whiten teeth. This helps rub off plaque, which contributes to tooth decay and staining.
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   Practice good oral hygiene. Perhaps the best way to keep teeth white is simply through proper care. Brush, floss, and use mouth wash on a regular basis.^[6]

   • Most people brush their teeth in the morning and before bed. Sticking to a routine like this can help you maintain regular care, but you should also brush your teeth after eating anything high in sugar. The acids from sugary snacks require prompt removal.^[7]
   • Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months and make sure to floss daily. You should also use some kind of mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine mouthwash, to combat bad breath and add extra protection to your teeth.^[8]
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   See a dentist at least twice a year. Regular dental checkups are important for a variety of reasons. In order to keep your teeth white and healthy, make sure to see a dentist at least twice a year. They’ll clean your teeth thoroughly and spot any problems that pop up before they get out of hand.^[9]

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