Foods That Whiten Teeth Naturally

You may know that certain food and drink, such as coffee, tea, sugary snacks, and dark berries, can cause staining of the teeth. Avoiding these stain causers is only half the battle. While not as effective as the whitening procedures used by a dentist, the following foods are worth adding to your grocery list for their tooth whitening potential.

Celery, Carrots, and Broccoli
Eating these foods stimulates saliva production, making them natural stain removers. They may help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath, and their fibers help scrub your teeth clean. The iron in broccoli protects your enamel.

Raisins
Researchers have found that the oleanolic acid found in Thompson seedless raisins may prevent the growth of two types of bacteria bad for your oral health. In addition to fighting cavities and periodontal disease, raisins protect your teeth from yellowing plaque buildup.

Pineapple
Pineapple is the only natural source of the enzyme bromelain. Studies have shown that toothpastes with natural enzymes like bromelain and papain have better whitening effects than abrasive formulas because stains are broken down without harming the enamel.

Strawberries
Despite their red juice, strawberries contain a natural astringent, malic acid, which helps fight stains. You can mash up strawberries and apply them to your teeth for five minutes, then rinse and brush your teeth.

Apples
Apples are also a source of malic acid, and the chewing of the crunchy apple works as a natural abrasive and increases the production of tooth cleaning saliva.

Accomplish Two Goals at Once!
Eating healthy foods contributes to the whitening of your teeth, promotes good oral health and better overall general health. Adding them to your diet, together with regular dental checkups and cleanings, will help keep you smiling with confidence.