Whiter Teeth. A Brighter Smile.

Strips, trays, toothpastes - what really works for getting whiter teeth at home? I can't afford a professional whitening service ($500+), so I'm going to share some low - cost quick DIY tips for getting whiter teeth and brighter smile at home from one of my favorite pals who happens to be a dentist. (Shhh! Don't tell anyone he's sharing some secrets!)

Limit colored liquids. Teeth change color as you age. Enamel gets thinner,more transparent as you get older, absorbing more liquids. So try to avoid coffee, tea, sodas, red wine, tomato sauce, etc.

Be a swisher. After you eat, swish some water or Listerine in your mouth for a minute (about the amount of time it takes you to sing the alphabet or Happy Birthday song twice). This habit help prevent some surface staining from whatever you've eaten.

PuckerUp with a Wetslicks. CoverGirl Wetslicks lip gloss contains blue undertones which makes teeth look whiter. (and the peppermint oil base gives you a nice minty taste to boot!)

Chew some gum. Chewing gum after you eat can help remove some of the new to the surface stains.

Eat An Apple A Day. An apple, or for that matter, any crunchy fruit or vegetable like a pear, celery sticks, or carrots, can help scrub away stains.

Don't Forget to Brush. Consider using a teeth whiting toothpaste. These toothpastes aren't designed to actually bleach your teeth, but contains a mild abreshive that will help remove surface stains.

Use Trays, Strips, and Gels. The most effective Do It Yourself approach to noticeably whiter teeth. The higher the amount of peroxide concentrate and the longer you leave it in your mouth, the brighter the smile. Short on time? Do it each day when you're taking a shower or doing a simple household task (e.g. vacuuming)

Of course, the best approach to teeth whitening is to have it professionally done by a Dentist. Estimate costs are $300- $800. Expensive, but you'll get a brighter and longer lasting smile. But for those of us on a budget, check out the alternatives listed above. Some help is better than none.