9 Inexpensive Ways to Whiten Teeth Fast

White teeth have become increasingly desirable in modern society, and during 2015 alone, Americans spent $11 billion on teeth whitening. This astonishing figure includes a whopping $1.4 billion spent on at-home whitening products. Multiple factors can cause teeth to become dull or stained such as smoking, drinking coffee, cola or red wine, not brushing teeth regularly, and even aging. Rather than bleaching or going to a dentist and forking out hundreds of dollars, there just so happen to be trouble-free and reasonably inexpensive solutions. Check out these nine effective ways to whiten teeth fast.

Whitening Strips

There is a huge market for whitening strips and many in North America will choose this treatment for convenience and affordability. Whitening strips will produce results within one week, but they should not be considered a permanent treatment option for stained teeth.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which helps the mouth to get rid of bacteria and plaque which are major contributors to yellow teeth as well as bad breath. Swish coconut oil around the mouth for about 10 minutes every day for best results. Make sure to spit the oil out in the trash as it can sometimes block drains.

Baking Soda

Adding baking soda to toothpaste can have amazing results for teeth and is one of the most well-known teeth whitening practices. Baking soda is, however, quite abrasive and can cause damage to enamel with prolonged or frequent regular use, so it is recommended as a once a week treatment. Whitening toothpaste often contains small amounts of baking soda to help moderate baking soda usage.

Don't Brush Teeth Too Much

Brushing teeth too much, and too hard, will eventually erode the enamel on the teeth which leaves the teeth vulnerable to staining. Although stains tempt individuals to brush them harder, this can, in fact, be a damaging practice. Consider using Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush as the pressure sensor stops the pulsation movement if you brush to hard. There are a few kinds of toothpaste that change colour when in contact with the plaque in the mouth and this type of product can help to identify where to brush.

Charcoal

Charcoal acts as a magnet for stains within the mouth, and it will also whiten teeth (after leaving them a scary shade of black). The easiest way to do this is by buying a charcoal capsule and emptying the contents onto a toothbrush and then brushing the teeth. Charcoal tablets and capsules can be found in many whole foods or supplement stores across North America and can be used daily to clean the teeth.

Vaseline

A thin layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly will keep food and drinks from staining the teeth, acting as a protective layer between the teeth and whatever food or drink they may come into contact with. Although it seems gross the first time, this practice may give peace of mind when chugging that large black coffee.

Eating Cheese

Cheese and other dairy products contain high levels of lactic acid and calcium which are essential foundations of a healthy, white smile. The calcium in cheese will create a protective layer over the teeth, similar to the next entry in this slideshow.

Lipstick

Surprisingly, certain shades of lipstick may affect how white teeth appear. A dark, red shade will make teeth look instantly whiter due by contrasting the colour of the lipstick and teeth. An orange shade, however, can achieve the opposite effect by accentuating the yellowness of teeth. Choose the shade wisely, and teeth will appear whiter than they are.

Eat More Strawberries

Eating strawberries after a meal can help to whiten teeth according to many experts. The delicious fruit has high levels of folate, which naturally cleans and leaves teeth exfoliated. Create a paste with one strawberry and a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, brush teeth and leave for 5 minutes. This simple, sweet process is recommended as a once a week option.