What have you guys found the most effective way, product, to use to whiten ones teeth other than getting it professionally done?

Well my cousin only used the cheapest most non-brand-name stuff and her teeth are brighter and whiter than those people's who have had theirs professionally whitened. Its weird how that works.

Personally, in addition to brushing, I scrape my teeth with my fingernails to remove plaque and such during the day. Some people frown upon that sort of thing though, because of all the "bacteria" on your hands or because it looks like you're biting your nails...

And I dunno why but I also scrape my tongue with a "tongue scraper." I saw it one day in Walmart, used it, and my mouth always feels fresher, so I smile more, and ...I think...the sun and wind bleach my teeth when they're exposed like that and they seem to be whiter?

Also I've heard drinking less coffee, tea, and soda pop will help. Or, if you MUST drink pop, then use a straw so it doesn't hit your teeth directly.

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The best way of course, is to not brush your teeth for a month so they're all cruddy and yellow and nasty..and then just take normal everyday toothpaste, a new toothbrush, and some floss, and just brush away! With this method, your teeth will look 100% better than they did just after you started!

My dentist recommended to me to use the Crest Whitening Strips. I've yet to try them....they're a little pricey, but I've heard good things about them.

I received a free sample box of crest white strips about 9 months AFTER I had my teeth professionally whitened (Life-Like brand from my dentist using molded trays). The crest strips were easy to use, especially if you could keep your mouth shut for 20 minutes. I think my results may have been better than most, because I'd had a good start from the professional whitening. They are expensive, but so was the bleaching thru my dentist ($150 in my area). Try the website and ask for a coupon - I've tried that with other products - to save a few bucks. I'd say they're worth a try.

If you want to scrape your teeth like Chica then I suggest you wash your hands well before hand or you might fing your self getting sick more often.

I would avoid coffee and tea they tend to stain teeth. Unless you just gotta have them. The worst is smoking.

Brush, brush, brush. If you don't you will have a lot more problems. I would try the different kinds on the market. Take a picture of your teeth so you can actually tell if it is working. I think most don't help overnight if it is toothpaste so it might be hard to tell for awhile and you can compare with the picture. I would start with Crest since others seem to like it. Good luck!

Get an electric toothbrush! My Sonicare has worked wonders on my teeth. I've been pleasantly surprised.