It’s fairly safe to say that everyone wants a bright white smile. Some people go to extremes to get it, such as professional or home whitening or even to the point of getting porcelain veneers. But there is a more subtle, cheaper and more natural way. It will take several months, but by simply choosing some of these delicious foods, you can gradually work your way to a whiter smile.
LEMON JUICE – Just as lemon juice can be used to lighten hair, it also has teeth whitening abilities. Rub a mixture of 1 tsp of lemon juice with a little salt and baking soda on your teeth can help to whiten them. But remember, too much lemon juice can damage tooth enamel and cause sensitivity. A safer fruit to try might be the strawberry.
STRAWBERRIES – Even with their red color, it is possible to polish your teeth with strawberries. Take it a step further and create a paste by combining a crushed strawberry with a small amount (1/2 tsp) of baking soda and water. Rub the paste on your teeth, leave for about 5 minutes, then rinse well to remove any seeds. Makes sure to brush with toothpaste after to remove the sugar and acid from the fruit, both of which can damage tooth enamel. You should use this method no more than once a week as too much baking soda can be hard on your teeth.
ORANGE PEEL – You can brighten your smile by simply rubbing your teeth with the white, inside part of the peel. You can also take this method a step further by creating a paste. This time mix the dried orange peel with ground bay leaves and rubbing it on your teeth.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – Swishing and gargling with white apple cider vinegar before brushing will help remove stains. If you can’t handle full strength, you can try mixing 1 tsp with 8 oz of water. Once again, you can also make a paste. Mix the vinegar with…you guessed it…baking soda and rub it on your teeth like a polish. Remember, don’t use baking soda (in any form) more than once a week on your teeth.
RAW FRUITS AND VEGETABLES – Just crunching on raw vegetables will help to whiten your teeth. The fiber in foods like apples, cauliflower, pears, celery and carrots scrub your teeth as you chew. It also encourages your mouth to produce saliva to mix with the veggies and help to get rid of the bacteria that causes plaque, which can turn into yellowing tartar.
WATER – By drinking water with your meals and swishing with it after every meal or drink, you are helping to wash away much of the residue that causes teeth staining. This goes a long way in maintaining the white smile you’re working so hard to attain.
Remember that these methods will take several months in order to reap the benefits. Your efforts will work much better if you practice good dental hygiene as well. Brushing and flossing after every meal is most effective, but as often as possible is better than just once or twice a day. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every couple of months, and see your dentist twice a year.
It’s important to remember that while you are using these natural food methods to whiten your teeth, you need remember the 9 Foods You Must Avoid for Whiter Teeth.
Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/25115-foods-whiten-teeth/
http://www.docshop.com/2008/03/06/foods-that-naturally-whiten-your-teeth/
http://www.ehow.com/about_4607337_what-foods-whiten-teeth.html
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