Your teeth may not sparkle like they used to, courtesy of your mid-morning espressos, and cheeky midweek (who are we kidding, every night!) red wines, but there is no need to outlay a fortune or lose a couple of hours of your life to get them back to their sparkling best.

It’s time to spring clean your mouth and take a look at these three easy and inexpensive ways to whiten your teeth all from the comfort of your couch at home.

1. Baking soda paste

History of oral hygiene would tell us that the first toothbrush came around in 1857. For years sailors (and pirates) would use salt, bicarbonate soda/sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and urine to clean their teeth. If it was good enough for sailors it’s good enough for you – everything but the latter of course. Seriously, do not try the last option.

Difficulty: Just mix several teaspoons of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth and leave the paste on for up to three minutes. Use this method once or twice a week for best results.

QUICK HINT – If you’re in a rush, just wet your tooth brush completely and dip the bristle in the baking soda and brush your teeth for two minutes
Cost: Baking soda is cheap cheap, and with so many other cleaning uses it’s a definite staple in your house. Homebrand baking soda [pictured] retails at around $1.80 for 500grams, which will serve you will over 45 brushes or pastes.
Efficacy: You should notice after a few weeks a subtle whitening of the teeth. However, baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it’s not recommended for gentle gums. Also using baking soda on a your teeth regularly could cause damage to the enamel that coats your teeth.

2. Strawberries

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tyra Banks are atop of the list of celebrities who have used strawberries to whiten their teeth.

Difficulty: Catherine’s method involves just rubbing your teeth with strawberries, while Tyra mashed up a few strawberries and rubbed this mixture all over her teeth.

For those trying at home:

1. Crush a few strawberries into a pulp.
2. Use a soft toothbrush to spread the mixture onto your teeth and leave for 3-5 minutes.
3. Rinse and brush after with toothpaste, and floss out any lurking strawberry seeds.

Cost: Strawberries season extends in the warmer months of Australia and a punnet can cost anywhere between $2 - $4, differing from region to region.

Efficacy: The acid in strawberries can damage the enamel of your teeth if you are berry-generous in this teeth whitening treatment. Research points out that the strawberry method removes superficial debris and doesn’t break down stain molecules [http://www.livescience.com/48472-teeth-whitening-methods-really-work.html].

4. At home whitening kits

From ordering dinner to watching cinematic experiences everyone enjoys life’s pleasures from the comfort of home, which is why at-home teeth whitening is so popular. We may be biased, but Advance Whitening’s kit is incredibly effective and one of the more affordable kits on the market.

We have been helping Australians achieve beautiful white and bright smiles for over 10 years. Our teeth whitening kits use hydrogen peroxide, rather than carbamide peroxide. Studies show that hydrogen peroxide is a much faster way to whiten teeth, and so it is the perfect formula for at-home treatments.

Difficulty: No need to mould the tray to your teeth, or fill a tray full of gel. The Advance Whitening gel is applied directly to the teeth with an easy to use pen. Insert the mouth guard and LED accelerator light into your mouth for 10-15 minutes and you’re done!
Cost: $69 for a full teeth whitening kit includes next day free delivery.

Efficacy: Many customers notice instant changes after one application, and deeper, longer-lasting whitening within a week of daily use.
There are many ways that you can whiten your teeth, from strawberries to professional treatments. Some are slow and steady to show results, while some commercial products are instant.

For immediate results and for clinic quality treatment without the price tag, Advance Whitening’s at home kit is a sure fire way to make your smile a sure fire hit.