Foods That Whiten And Brighten Your Smile

If you're ready to come back from your lunch break with a smile that's brighter than the one you left with, you're in luck, because we've consulted with experts to compile a list of foods that make teeth sparkle. 

Eat an applefor shiny, white teeth. Or better yet, crush it up and brush with it, says founder of Organic Healthy Lifestyle Nancy Addison. "Apples and strawberries contain malic acid and vitamin C," Addison says. "The malic acid is like an astringent that helps remove surface stains, and the vitamin C helps remove plaque. You can brush with a little grated apple once in a while."

There's a reason so many whitening toothpastes contain baking soda. Studies published by the National Institute of Health have proved that baking soda does lighten a tooth's "yellow hue" over time. 

Eating a serving of broccoli will literally make your mouth water, which is good for your teeth, according to Lisa Cohn, medical nutritionist and owner of Park Avenue Nutrition in New York City. "Broccoli makes your mouth produce more saliva, which washes away debris and keeps bacteria and plaque down," Cohn says.

Carrots are another of those mouthwatering foods, according to Cohn. Plus, their crisp texture acts as a natural exfoliant for surface stains.  

The crunch factor of cauliflower is a great way to brush stains away from the surface of teeth. Anything crunchy will also activate saliva production, which is good for washing away potential stains before they start.  

Crisp celery naturally buffs teeth and adds to their pearlescence. "The natural fibers, those stringy parts, and crunchy, crispy texture make celery a natural toothbrush," Cohn says. "Chewing celery helps to remove what's stuck between teeth, helps keep gums healthy, and keeps tooth surface clean."

While too much fruit juice can potentially weaken teeth, fresh oranges and even orange peel can polish teeth, stimulate gums, and increase saliva production, meaning that oranges not only whiten teeth but help prevent new stains from forming. 

Pears are another great food for buffing away surface stains, according to Maddahi. "Pears whiten teeth because they scrub the top layer of enamel to remove stains," he says. 

Strawberries are another good source of malic acid and vitamin C, which keep teeth gleaming and healthy. 

Yogurt is high in calcium and easy to eat, so it can keep teeth and enamel strong and hard, meaning less potential for unsightly tooth decay.