Foods That Can Whiten Your Teeth

Products and services that promise to
instantly brighten your smile can easily
be found on grocery shelves or at the
dentist’s office. But before reaching for
that home whitening kit or enduring
another hour sitting on your dentist’s
chair, consider these 13 natural,
sometimes unconventional (but often
delicious!), tooth-whitening alternatives:
1. Oil (sesame oil or virgin coconut oil)
Oil, or more specifically, oil pulling, is when
oil is used for gargling, not cooking.
Sesame oil or virgin coconut oil is swished
around inside the mouth and then spat out
after fifteen minutes. As the substance is
vigorously “pulled” back and forth between
your teeth, the mucous membranes inside
your mouth absorb nutrients from it.
Sesame oil has omega-3 fatty acids, iron,
calcium, and vitamins A, B and E; while
virgin coconut oil has antibacterial
properties that promote healthier gums
and cavity-free teeth. Just make sure not to
swallow any of the spittle that will form as
you gargle.
2. Strawberries
Malic acid is a natural astringent that acts
as a bleaching agent, and it is present in
most commercially available tooth-
whitening products. Strawberries are filled
with this key ingredient, which will whiten
your teeth naturally, so make sure to add
them to your basket on your next trip to
the farmer’s market. The vitamin C in
strawberries also aids in removing plaque.
3. Apples
Apples also contain high levels of malic
acid. The act of biting and chewing on this
crunchy fruit gently scrubs away debris,
stains, and bacteria from your mouth.
4. Celery
Say goodbye to tooth stains as you snack
on that piece of celery during your break!
The fibrous cellulose act as a natural
toothbrush, while the high water content
stimulates saliva production, your natural
mouth cleanser.
5. Carrots
Chewing on these rabbit favorites raw will
increase the amount of saliva in your
mouth, cleaning it further. The vitamin A in
carrots is good, not just for your eyesight,
but helps strengthen tooth enamel as well.
6. Broccoli
When eaten raw, this vegetable gently
abrades tooth surfaces, which removes
unsightly stains. The iron found in broccoli
protects tooth enamel by coating it with an
invisible barrier that keeps cavity-causing
acids away.
7. Cheese
Being devoid of color, most cheeses will
not stain teeth. They also contain calcium
and phosphorus, which help strengthen
teeth and gums through re-mineralization.
Those properties also help in insulating
teeth from harmful acids in the mouth.
8. Water
Drinking water helps you stay hydrated and
prevents stains from forming on your teeth.
Swish it in your mouth after eating or
drinking pigment-rich foods and beverages
to keep your smile white and bright. Water
also reduces your mouth’s overall acidity,
lessening the likelihood of damaging your
tooth enamel. Just make sure you stick to
flat water, as the sparkling variety increases
the chances of eroding tooth surfaces.
9. Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme called
bromelain, which is a natural stain remover
that also helps separate plaque from the
surface of your teeth. This prevents tooth
erosion and discourages cavities from
forming, resulting in healthier and whiter
teeth.
10. Shiitake Mushrooms
This fungi is filled with lentinan, a type of
sugar that does not promote tooth decay,
but instead curbs its formation by
preventing plaque-building bacteria from
proliferating in your mouth.
11. Salmon
The vitamin D found in salmon helps the
body absorb calcium and phosphorus,
nutrients that strengthen your teeth and
contribute to a beautiful smile.
12. Basil
As a natural antibiotic, this herb has
bacteria-inhibiting properties that prevent
the formation of cavities.
13. Onions and Garlic
The key is in eating these raw. Doing so
releases bacteria-reducing compounds
called thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates,
promoting healthier teeth by reducing the
production of plaque. Being colorless,
these foods will also not stain teeth.
Do you have other ideas on how to help
whiten teeth naturally? Share them in the
comments below!
CULLED FROM:LIFE HACK

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