Tutorial Tuesday: At Home Teeth Bleaching

The Holidays are approaching, which typically means parties and pictures. Nothing can ruin a well planned look quite like yellow teeth, but not everyone can afford going to the Dentist for bleaching or even at home bleach kits. Believe it or not you can bleach your teeth from home with things you more than likely already own or can buy cheaply enough from your local store. I am not a dentist, so if you have health concerns please consult your dentist before doing this. I know it works fine on me with no issues at all, but my teeth are not your teeth.

To do this you will need:

• Your toothpaste
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• A small plastic container with a lid

To make the paste you are going to place a small amount of toothpaste, think 3-4 days worth, in the container. Now add in an equal amount of baking soda, it doesn't have to be exact so don't stress it. Mix them up well and the actual paste is done. 

To use this you are going to dip a q-tip into the peroxide and rub it onto your teeth. You can also swish it around your mouth, but I've been told this can damage your gums if you do it to often so I prefer to use the q-tip so I can avoid my gums. Now dip your tooth brush into the paste and brush your teeth like normal. The combination of the baking soda and the peroxide will bleach your teeth (this also worst great on yellowing pit stains on a shirt) and make them extra clean, but I'm going to warn you that this tastes nasty. I prefer a strong mint toothpaste normally so that helps to mask the flavor of the baking soda a bit but it will taste gross.

Do this a few times a week till you get to the level of whiteness you want, then switch to once a week to help maintain it. Please don't substitute lemon juice for the peroxide, while this will technically work the acidity of the lemon will break down the enamel of your teeth over time. And obviously if it causes bleeding or increased tooth sensitivity stop and consult your dentist. Here's to a pearly white smile just in time for the holidays!