5 foods that brighten your smile
You can avoid certain foods that can stain your teeth, but for a brighter and whiter smile try eating more of these:
Pineapple
The enzyme bromelain in pineapples acts as a natural stain remover that breaks up plaque, the sticky bacteria that forms a film on your teeth. Citrus fruits such as oranges stimulate production of saliva, which cleans teeth naturally.
Apple
Biting into the firm skin and dense flesh of an apple has a scrubbing effect that helps remove plaque, while releasing malic acid that helps dissolve filmy build-up that discolors teeth. Fruits and vegetables that are high in cellulose, such as carrots and celery, are naturally abrasive – so they help remove stains from the enamel surface.
Strawberries
Like apples, strawberries contain malic acid that removes surface discoloration and the berry’s slightly abrasive texture helps buff the enamel for a smoother, whiter appearance. Make your own all-natural tooth whitener by mixing crushed strawberries with a half teaspoon of baking soda.
Onions
In their raw state onions contain two sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which reduce bacteria that dulls teeth by eroding the enamel surface. Garlic contains these sulfur compounds, too.
Salmon
Cold water fish such as salmon contain omega-3s and phosphorus that help strengthen tooth enamel. Salmon is a particularly good source of vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption for stronger teeth and a brighter smile.