According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, tooth whitening is the most common dental procedure requested by people under 20 and between the ages 30 and 50. Several factors can change the color of your teeth, such as smoking, eating foods with dark pigments like blueberries, drinking coffee and taking some medications. Some readily available foods can naturally enhance the whiteness of your teeth.
Strawberries
Strawberries are among the foods that can naturally whiten your teeth. According to World Dental.org, a mixture of strawberries and baking soda can act as a pre-brush tooth whitener. Crush a strawberry into 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Spread the mixture over your teeth and leave on for 5 minutes. The malic acid content of strawberries acts as an astringent which will loosen and remove some of the surface stains on your teeth. This procedure should not be used for a prolonged period, however, because the acid content will destroy the enamel of your teeth over time.
Apples
Apples contain two qualities that assist in whitening teeth. According to PRLog.org, the process of chewing this hard, crunchy fruit rids the teeth of plaque that can alter the color of your teeth. Chewing also stimulates production of saliva, which naturally counteracts bacteria in the mouth that changes tooth color. Apples also contain malic acid, which acts as a natural astringent to loosen and remove surface stains from the teeth.
Carrots
According to PRLog.org, carrots can also function as a natural tooth whitener. Like apples, carrots are a hard, crunchy food that rids the teeth of plaque during the chewing process.
