Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Installment 4 - Why, darling, that smile is positively garish!

It happens to us all at some point or another; one day we’re scrubbing away dutifully at our teeth, rinse, then flash our pearly smile into the mirror… only, horror of horrors, they’re not so pearly. In fact, their almost… gray! So what’s a hygienic, healthy, vibrant beauty such as yourself to do?

Well, of course, there are millions of things you could do; go to the dentist and have them peroxide your teeth into oblivion – and sure thing, that’s the quickest route. You could also slather your mouth with solutions, or sleep with a gooey mouth guard. These are also effective methods, and if you just can’t seem to get results, or you simply don’t have the time to wait around, do it!

But there are other methods. These methods can occasionally take a bit of time, but are well worth it in the results department.

The first thing, like pricier treatments, includes peroxide. It also includes an item that has been used for tooth care for generations; baking soda! This is probably the easiest thing you’ll ever do, but deeply – DEEPLY – effective. First, take a few heaping teaspoons of baking soda and put them in a bowl, then drop in about one teaspoon of peroxide. You may need to give or take a bit, just make sure it’s roughly the consistency of dense toothpaste. Use this once a week, or every other week. The result on this sucker is immediate, but you don’t want to overdo it, as the abrasiveness of the baking soda, and potency of the peroxide can start to wear on your teeth’s enamel.

Two of the stranger items that can be used for natural teeth whiting are apple cider vinegar (I know, I know. Is there ANYTHING that stuff can’t do!), and strawberries. For apple cider vinegar, just take a half cup, dip your tooth brush in, and brush away. Do this repeatedly for several minutes, rinse, give’em a good brush with your regular toothpaste, and viola! Newly whitened (and might I add, extremely clean) teeth. Strawberries are fairly simple; take a whole strawberry, cut it into sections and rub against your teeth. With this, though, be certain to brush your teeth with regular toothpaste right after using, as the acids and sugars can do a number on otherwise healthy teeth.

For a truly unique experience, make your own toothpaste. Oh yea… that sounds a little bit down home hippie, doesn’t it? But in truth, you can get healthy, effective oral care, alongside some potent teeth whitening. Plus you know exactly what goes into your toothpaste, and thus, into your mouth (conspiracy theories, anyone?).

Here’s the recipe:
1. 5 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin
2. 1/4 teaspoon salt
3. 5 teaspoons of baking soda
4. 7-8 drops of clove oil
5. Roughly 10 drops of flavored oil (mint, cinnamon, vanilla… whatever ya fancy)
6. One heavily mashed sage leaf

Mix all of the dry ingredients together, toss in the mashed leaf, stir like crazy. Now add all of the wet ingredients, and place in a tightly sealed container. The glycerin gives it a paste-y texture, the baking soda gives it a bit of abrasiveness; the salt adds to the abrasiveness and also acts as an anti-septic. The sage in addition to the baking soda aids in long-term whitening. The clove oil is optional, but great for sensitive teeth, plus it adds a bit of extra scent in addition to the flavored oils.

So there ya go, chickies. Some great alternatives to the more aggressive teeth whiting routes. And coming up next, a hairy disaster or a sticky situation?

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