We’ve all been told to avoid red wine, dark berries and black coffee in our quests for pearly whites; but what about foods that actually brighten your smile? Try these natural solutions for a brilliant beam.
Strawberries
They may be bright red, but malic acid, a chief component of this summery fruit, acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discolouration, says Dr. Irwin Smigel, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics.
Seeds and nuts
Chewing these lightly abrasive, hard foods rubs plaque and stains off the surface of teeth, says Dr. Matthew Messina, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.
Onions
Although they may not be the ideal pre-date snack, the notoriously bad-for-breath alliums could be beneficial to teeth. Because they’re colourless, they won’t cause surface stains, says Messina, adding that after eating them, you’re more likely to brush, which is a sure-fire way to get whiter teeth
Apples
Apples’ crispiness strengthens gums, and their high water content increases saliva production, dispersing and neutralising colonies of bacteria that lead to bad breath and plaque, says Smigel.
Baking soda
Take a toothpaste break and try brushing with this common ingredient. Baking soda is a base, like bleach, notes Messina, and the ‘soda,’ which is actually a form of salt, is a mild abrasive that works to scrub off plaque and surface stains.
Broccoli
Throw some raw broccoli into your lunch-the florets will scrub the surface of teeth, giving them a brief and natural midday brush.
Water
Drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and your smile bright, advises Smigel, who recommends sipping and swishing between glasses of wine and when eating dark, pigmented foods to prevent staining.
