Foods That Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

By Amy Hill

Published on March 06, 2008

Red wine, dark colored sodas, coffee and tea, and many other foods and drinks that can stain clothing can stain teeth as well. But there are some foods that are natural home remedies for whitening teeth. Of course, nothing works as quickly or effectively as professional-strength teeth whitening, but the foods below offer a cheap, natural way to lighten your smile.

Strawberries - Rub strawberries on your teeth to make them shine. Or, create a paste of crushed strawberries and baking soda and brush on your teeth once or twice a week, leaving the mixture on for five minutes each time. Just make sure to thoroughly clean your teeth afterwards because the sugar and acid in the strawberries can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion if left on too long.

Orange Peel - Buff your teeth with the inside to create a brilliant shine. You can also combine ground bay leaves and dried orange peel to form a paste that you can brush onto your teeth.

Lemon Juice - Lemon juice isn't just for bleaching your hair; it can also have a whitening effect on your teeth. Just be careful not too use this method too often because the acidic nature of lemon juice can eat away at your tooth enamel. Adding a little lemon juice to salt or baking soda is another alternative that in addition to whitening also helps clean the teeth.

Apple Cider Vinegar - Like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar can also be used to bleach the teeth. You can mix it with baking soda to make a paste to brush onto the teeth, or gargle with it daily before brushing your teeth to help remove surface stains.

Crunchy Fruits and Veggies - Apples, carrots, cauliflower, celery, pears, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables help clean the teeth and prevent stains. When the natural fibers of the fruits and vegetables combine with saliva in the mouth, they help wash away food particles and stain-causing bacteria.

But don't expect these natural teeth whitening foods to lighten your teeth right away. Patience is the key. If you want to see dramatic results quickly, a professional teeth whitening treatment available from a dentist is a better choice. And don't forget that brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and visiting the dentist for professional cleanings twice a year can go a long way in your teeth whitening efforts.