With teeth whitening products costing over $40 a pop, it’s no surprise that we’ve received many questions from readers asking how to make homemade whitening toothpaste. I’ve made a list of four easy homemade teeth whitening recipes. While these recipes vary in many ways, there’s one way they’re all the same…they cost $10 or less!

4 Natural and Homemade Teeth Whitening Recipes

Some of these recipes may seem wacky, but those who use them, swear by them. On top of that, they’re WAY cheaper then any other teeth whitening systems I’ve seen. Even better, the majority of these recipes are made with items that you have lying around the house, so no shopping necessary. Woo!

Lemon and Baking Soda Whitening Paste

This method is endorsed by Dr. Oz, which in itself makes it a winner. And, with only two ingredients it’s a simple and cost effective way to whiten teeth.

What You’ll Need 

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 medium sized lemon

Directions: First, cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice of the lemon into a small bowl. Next, mix the baking soda with the fresh lemon juice. The mixture should bubble slightly. Before applying the mixture to your teeth, use a cotton swab to wipe saliva and excess plaque from your teeth. Use a toothbrush to apply to the mixture to your teeth and let sit for one minute. Use a tooth brush to gently remove the the mixture from your teeth. According to Dr. Oz, you leave the mixture on your teeth for longer than a minute runs the risk of acid erosion on your tooth’s enamel, so be sure to adhere to the time limit.

Coconut Oil, Baking Soda, And Hydrogen Peroxide Toothpaste

I like the idea of using coconut oil and essential oils because I feel this will make the toothpaste taste better than recipes that simply use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. If you’re looking for a  recipe without frills, just use the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a simple paste. Also, you can also use hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth by swishing 1 to 2 tablespoons in your mouth after brushing. The same way you’d use a mouth wash!

What You’ll Need

• Baking soda
• 3% hydrogen peroxide (check the active ingredients on the back – this strength is commonly sold at drugstores)
• Coconut oil (melted)
• Stevia (optional for sweetening)
• Peppermint or Spearmint Oil (optional for flavor)

Directions: Mix six parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide and one part coconut oil in a bowl. (In other words, mix 6 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon coconut oil.) Stir in the Stevia and add 15-20 drops of your essential oil. To preserve the toothpaste, store it in an airtight glass container.

Strawberry and Baking Soda Teeth Whitener

I have to admit I was very surprised when I read about this method. I never thought strawberries could be a teeth whitener! This recipe is very simple (it should only take you about a minute to make) but you’ll have to make it fresh every time you want to use it.

What You’ll Need

• 1 Strawberry
• 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• A pinch of salt

Directions: First mash the strawberry into a pulp. Then, mix in the salt and baking soda. Use a toothbrush to apply to your teeth and let the mixture sit for 3-5 minutes. Note: Recipes vary on how often this should be done. According to Health.com, you should only use this method once a week.

Oil Pulling (swishing)

The main appeal of this method is that there’s only one ingredient! This is a cost-friendly recipe to whiten teeth. (You can score a container for $8 at Trader Joe’s.) Even though you don’t have to “make” a recipe, expect to invest some time. You’ll be pulling the oil for at least 20 minutes. I don’t know about you, but that time length scares me!

What You’ll Need

• 1 Tablespoon Coconut, Sesame, or Olive Oil

Directions:  Take your tablespoon of oil and swish for twenty minutes. If using coconut oil (which is solid) it’s recommended to let it melt before using. You’ll want to make sure to swish the oil across your entire mouth making sure it gets in between teeth and across the gums. Make sure to spit the oil in the trash and not your sink. The oil can seriously clog your drain. Note: Since you have to swish for 20 minutes, people suggest trying oil pulling while in the shower. Also, the taste of the coconut oil can take getting used to, so don’t get frustrated if you don’t hit the full 20 minutes your first time!

I’ve spent big bucks to whiten my teeth in the past (I bought Crest WhiteStrips for $60 last year!) so I find these cheaper methods very intriguing. With all the methods out there I can’t decide where to start.

Have you tried a homemade recipe to whiten your teeth? Which one should I try?