Getting your teeth professionally bleached is an effective way to maintain a bright smile without having to give up coffee, tea, and other goodies like berries. But it's important to do a little legwork between your bleaching sessions to combat the plaque and stains that will undoubtedly try to surface. Here are a few homemade recipes you can use in place of your regular toothpaste and mouthwash that are sure to keep your smile bright and healthy:

Strawberry Tea Tree Toothpaste

Strawberries are more than just tasty – they contain astringents that help to whiten teeth by dissolving surface stains. They're also full of vitamin C, which works to get rid of plaque upon contact. Tea tree oil is packed with antibacterial properties that fight off periodontal disease and P. gingivalis. Together, strawberries and tea tree oil makes a powerful homemade toothpaste that aids in dental health and teeth whitening. Here's what you will need to make a batch for your household:

• 3 strawberries (if using frozen, let them thaw before making the toothpaste)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 drop tea tree oil

Start by mashing the strawberries in a small sealable container with a fork until they're soft and mushy. Add the rest of the ingredients and mash with the fork again, stirring occasionally, until the concoction becomes a paste. Use a spoon to put a little of the paste on your toothbrush (or simply dip your brush right into the mixture) and brush your teeth like normal. This toothpaste will stay hold up well in the fridge for about a week between uses.

Apple Aloe Tooth Gel

Thanks to its acidity and antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar is a safe option for fighting tooth stains. Aloe vera gel minimizes the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, and can even prevent cavities from forming. You can make your own effective tooth gel by simply mixing a teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar and aloe vera gel together in a small bowl.

Use it as you would your regular toothpaste, making sure to rinse well afterward so no acidity from the apple cider vinegar is left behind. For the best results, keep the ingredients on hand and make this tooth gel fresh each time you want to use it. It takes less than a minute!

Hydro-Lemon Mouth Rinse

You can use hydrogen peroxide as a natural bleaching agent and germ fighter simply by swishing it around in your mouth, but it isn't typically very pleasing to the taste buds as-is. However, just a little lemon juice takes care of that problem. A bottle of hydro-lemon mouthwash costs just a couple dollars to make and lasts for about a month in the fridge before a new batch needs to be created. In a sealable container, pour:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Close the lid and shake the container several times so the ingredients meld together. Take a sip of the solution and gargle as you would with a commercial mouthwash. You can add a couple drops of orange or vanilla extract to further flavor this rinse.

Minty Clove Mouthwash

Swishing with mint is a great way to wake your taste buds up in the morning, and clove oil has effective germicidal properties to keep your mouth clean. Clove oil also happens to relieve toothaches. Combined with a little hydrogen peroxide, this minty clove mouthwash is the perfect option for maintaining white teeth and healthy gums.

Simply mix a half teaspoon each of peppermint oil, clove oil, hydrogen peroxide, and water together and then swish the mixture in your mouth for about thirty seconds. Spit the mouthwash out and brush your teeth as usual. This mouthwash tastes best when made fresh right before each use.

You don't have to use any of these recipes on a daily basis in order to see results. When used just a couple of times a week in addition to your regular dental hygiene regimen, you'll find that it's easy to maintain healthy teeth that sparkle. To learn more about this topic, contact your cosmetic dentist.