Most people will agree that a white smile will help open all kinds of doors in life. From a self-esteem boost to getting a superstar role in a Hollywood production, a whiter smile can be the beauty statement to make or break the deal. 

Of course, the safest way to achieve a sparkling smile these days is a visit to the cosmetic dentist. But the need for dental whitening didn’t start “these days”. Before going to the professional, there are a few simple secrets from grandma’s little beauty diary that still do the trick. 

Brushing 

Good oral hygiene is the first step. Brush your teeth after the main meals and whenever necessary during the day, after consuming foods that stain the enamel or acids that attack it. And, of course, try to limit, if possible, the consumption of such. A few examples of “villains” are coffee, chocolate, red wine, tea, berries, you know, most of the goodies that make our lives better. 

Hydrogen Peroxide 

For those of us that must enjoy life, the battle is not yet lost. Grandma to the rescue again, with two of the oldest tricks in the book: 

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to invite on the stage Mister Hydrogen Peroxide. Used every night before bed, for a vigorous swish, after brushing, will not only help eliminate most of the day’s stains to the tooth enamel, but as an antiseptic agent it will kill most of the stubborn germs that survive regular hygiene practices and are one of the main causes of morning bad breath.  

You don't have to go broke to have a beautiful smile

Baking Soda 

The other superhero of oral hygiene is the all so common baking soda. Use a pinch of the “magic powder” on your toothbrush before or after the toothpaste cleaning, depending on how tolerant your taste buds are. It will do wonders for sparkly teeth. It’ll make the Tooth Fairy proud, I’ll tell you! 

Store Bought 

A more conventional and modern approach to the stain situation can be found on the shelves of our drug stores in the form of the more expensive but less unpleasant DIY teeth whitening products, like the Rembrandt® system, teeth whitening strips and a fairly wide variety of toothpastes and mouthwashes with whitening and brightening ingredients. 

To keep in mind: Although whitening your teeth at home can be an easy trick when you have a knowledgeable grandmother, none of the home remedies or practices can completely eliminate the all so dreadful dentist visit. Get a professional to take a look at least once or twice a year. Even if it’s just to amaze them and give them a victorious white smile!