Foods That Can Whiten Your Teeth Naturally. by

Products and services that promise to instantly brighten
your smile can easily be found on grocery shelves or at
the dentist's office. But before reaching for that home
whitening kit or enduring another hour sitting on your
dentist's chair, consider these 13 natural, sometimes
unconventional (but often delicious!), tooth-whitening
alternatives:
1. Oil (sesame oil or virgin coconut oil)
Oil, or more specifically, oil pulling, is when oil is used for
gargling, not cooking. Sesame oil or virgin coconut oil is
swished around inside the mouth and then spat out after
fifteen minutes. As the substance is vigorously "pulled"
back and forth between your teeth, the mucous membranes
inside your mouth absorb nutrients from it.
Sesame oil has omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, and
vitamins A, B and E; while virgin coconut oil has
antibacterial properties that promote healthier gums and
cavity-free teeth. Just make sure not to swallow any of the
spittle that will form as you gargle.
2. Strawberries
Malic acid is a natural astringent that acts as a bleaching
agent, and it is present in most commercially available
tooth-whitening products. Strawberries are filled with this
key ingredient, which will whiten your teeth naturally, so
make sure to add them to your basket on your next trip to
the farmer's market. The vitamin C in strawberries also aids
in removing plaque.
3. Apples
Apples also contain high levels of malic acid. The act of
biting and chewing on this crunchy fruit gently scrubs away
debris, stains, and bacteria from your mouth.
4. Celery
Say goodbye to tooth stains as you snack on that piece of
celery during your break! The fibrous cellulose act as a
natural toothbrush, while the high water content stimulates
saliva production, your natural mouth cleanser.
5. Carrots
Chewing on these rabbit favorites raw will increase the
amount of saliva in your mouth, cleaning it further. The
vitamin A in carrots is good, not just for your eyesight, but
helps strengthen tooth enamel as well.
6. Broccoli
When eaten raw, this vegetable gently abrades tooth
surfaces, which removes unsightly stains. The iron found in
broccoli protects tooth enamel by coating it with an
invisible barrier that keeps cavity-causing acids away.
7. Cheese
Being devoid of color, most cheeses will not stain teeth.
They also contain calcium and phosphorus, which help
strengthen teeth and gums through re-mineralization. Those
properties also help in insulating teeth from harmful acids
in the mouth.
8. Water
Drinking water helps you stay hydrated and prevents stains
from forming on your teeth. Swish it in your mouth after
eating or drinking pigment-rich foods and beverages to keep
your smile white and bright. Water also reduces your
mouth's overall acidity, lessening the likelihood of
damaging your tooth enamel. Just make sure you stick to
flat water, as the sparkling variety increases the chances of
eroding tooth surfaces.
9. Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is a
natural stain remover that also helps separate plaque from
the surface of your teeth. This prevents tooth erosion and
discourages cavities from forming, resulting in healthier and
whiter teeth.
10. Shiitake Mushrooms
This fungi is filled with lentinan, a type of sugar that does
not promote tooth decay, but instead curbs its formation by
preventing plaque-building bacteria from proliferating in
your mouth.
11. Salmon
The vitamin D found in salmon helps the body absorb
calcium and phosphorus, nutrients that strengthen your teeth
and contribute to a beautiful smile.
12. Basil
As a natural antibiotic, this herb has bacteria-inhibiting
properties that prevent the formation of cavities.
13. Onions and Garlic
The key is in eating these raw. Doing so releases bacteria-
reducing compounds called thiosulfinates and
thiosulfonates, promoting healthier teeth by reducing the
production of plaque. Being colorless, these foods will also
not stain teeth.
Do you have other ideas on how to help whiten teeth
naturally? Share them in the comments below!
CULLED FROM:LIFE HACK