Your teeth are not just food grinders but also an integral part of your overall appearance. While most people believe great smiles come at a cost, you don’t necessarily have to turn towards whitening treatments to flaunt those pearly whites. Here are 6 commonly available foods you can eat in order to naturally whiten your teeth.

Strawberries

Strawberries

Not only are strawberries refreshing in the summer, they contain high quantities of malic acid which helps remove stains from your teeth and prevents discoloration. You can easily get fresh varieties from your nearest farmers market and put together great salads or compliment your desserts with these red delights.

Apples

Apples

Apples have countless health benefits and teeth whitening is one of them. Crisp apples (the ones that crunch) help keep your gums strong and their juice promotes the production of saliva. Saliva is a natural anti-bacterial and cleans up your teeth automatically, removing bad breath and preventing the formation of plaque.

Nuts

Nuts

Nuts are generally crunchy and hard, which means munching on them gives your teeth a massage of sorts. When you chew on nuts, the small bits and pieces work abrasively, removing existing plaque and stains. Along with benefiting your teeth, a mid-day snack of nuts can give you protein and energy that lasts through the day.

Carrots and Celery

Carrots and Celery

These vegetables have a lot of water and are not just great for weight watchers but also promote saliva production, much like apples. Raw carrots in particular can be quite crunchy, helping you rub off the plaque from your teeth and strengthen your gums.

Oranges

Oranges

Oranges have high quantities of citric acid (like lemons) and this actually works on your tooth enamel and wears it off (which is why you can get a funny sensation in your teeth if you eat a lot of oranges). While eating large quantities of oranges can actually hurt your teeth by wearing down the protective layer, a moderate intake can help whiten your teeth naturally along with providing you with vitamin C.

Yogurt and Milk

Milk and Yogurt

Both yogurt and milk contain calcium, which makes your enamel stronger and whiter. However, other sources of vitamin C, like Spinach, can be detrimental for your teeth, which is why it is recommended that you stick with these dairy products. Eating plain yogurt as a snack or drinking a glass of milk after dinner can help improve your teeth considerably.

Along with eating these foods you should remember to brush at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and before sleeping. Do let me know if you find any of these tips beneficial or if you have any of your own you would like to share.