You may want to rethink that second cup of coffee…
Coffee, like several other popular drinks, can stain your teeth. Yourdiet can affect the color of your teethdramatically — there are even certain foods that can help whiten teeth.
Thanks to their natural properties, consuming these foods can help brighten your smile. We call them the “good guys” and they are part of what’s called a “white diet.” The white diet consists of foods and drinks that won’t stain your enamel. It excludes acidic, dark-colored foods, and drinks that can make teeth yellow.
If you’re interested in modifying your diet to include foods that boost oral health, we’ve rounded up 10 foods that can help whiten your teeth,plus tipson how to easily incorporate them into your diet.
1. Apples
An apple a day doesn’t only keep the doctor away, it also helps whiten teeth! Apples are high in malic acid — an ingredient that’s present in several types of toothpaste. Apple has abrasive properties so when you take a bite into one and chew, you’re actually helping scrub your teeth. Chewing an apple also increases saliva, which in turn helps clean your teeth.
Smile Tip: Apples make a great mid-day snack. Dress your apple up with peanut butter or add a few slices to yogurt for some texture.
2. Pineapple
Pineapple is full of amazing vitamins like vitamin C that can help strengthen gums and protect against gingivitis. It’s the only food where the enzyme bromelain is naturally occurring. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties in it, so eating this tasty fruit can help whiten teeth and break up plaque.
Smile Tip: Throw pineapple slices on the grill for a tasty addition to your meal.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli has lots of fiber — an ingredient that can help reduce inflammation in the mouth. It also has a good amount of iron, which creates a protective barrier — guarding your teeth against acidic foods and drinks that can erode enamel. Similar to apples, broccoli is abrasive, so taking a bite can help scrub your teeth.
Smile Tip: To make this green vegetable taste better, cook it on a skillet and add olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
4. Strawberries
This lovely red fruit is rich in vitamin C and other natural whitening properties. Onestudypublished in theJournal of Dentistryfound that drinking strawberry juice had a positive effect on coffee-stained teeth. If you suffer from yellow-stained teeth caused by coffee and other colored drinks, try adding more strawberries into your diet.
Smile Tip: Grind two to three strawberries into a paste and rub on your teeth to help get rid of yellow-stained teeth.
5. Cheese
Not only does cheese taste good on everything, but it’s also good for your teeth! Cheese is jam-packed with calcium and phosphate — two minerals that can help keep your bones and teeth strong. It also contains casein and whey, special proteins that can rebuild tooth enamel. On top of that, the lactic acid in cheese can help protect your teeth from tooth decay. As if we were looking for more reasons to eat cheese?
Smile Tip: When picking out cheese, look for aged cheese, soft-ripened cheese, and blue cheese.
6. Basil
Basil is more than just your favorite herb. This little plant is a natural antibiotic. Onestudyfound a significant reduction in plaque from the use of basil. The leaves have natural whitening properties that can reduce bacteria in the mouth and prevent your teeth from staining yellow from certain foods and drinks.
Smile Tip: You can mix basil into toothpaste by drying the leaves and crushing them.
7. Carrots
Munching on crunchy foods (like carrots) can act as a natural toothbrush — scrubbing off plaque and bacteria. Carrots are also packed with keratin and vitamin A — two nutrients that canhelp form strong enameland keep gums healthy.
Smile Tip: Instead of chips, munch on carrots in between meals for a healthy snack.
8. Celery
Celery is rich with vitamin A and C — two nutrients that are beneficial in strengthening tooth enamel. Chewing on celery can also massage your gums and stimulate the production of saliva, which can help clean food particles from the teeth and reduce acid and sugar in the mouth. Celery might not be everyone’s favorite snack, but there are a variety of ways to add flavor while still reaping the benefits.
Smile Tip: If you can’t stand celery, make celery juice instead. Chop up celery and add to a blender with some of your favorite fruits for a yummy juice that’s good for your teeth.
9. Onion
Onion is a powerful vegetable. It contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can kill off certain bacterias in the mouth that cause tooth decay. These benefits reach far beyond oral health — onions can also help prevent certain diseases in the body.
Smile Tip: You don’t have to take a bite out of an onion to see it’s effects — try adding onions to some of your favorite meals. Slices of onions can be added to sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
10. Kiwi
Kiwis are delicious and nutritious. They are full of fiber — an ingredient that can keep your teeth and gums clean and jam-packed with calcium —which can strengthen tooth enamel and prevent erosion and cavities. They also contain the highest amount of vitamin C out of any other fruit! Vitamin C is a crucial component to oral health.
Onestudyfound that taking an oral care tablet containing kiwifruit powder could be effective at reducing bacteria in the mouth. While you may not have access to these tablets, eating kiwi can give you the same benefits, plus it’s yummy!
Smile Tip: For a fun snack in between meals, cut kiwi and pineapple and place on a stick to make healthy skewers.
The Bad Guys: 5 Foods and Drinks that Stain Teeth
While there are several foods that can boost oral health, there’s also a laundry list of foods and drinks that can hurt it. Many items on this list are dark-colored and acidic, two properties that can make your teeth yellow.
- Coffee and tea: Both coffee and tea can stain teeth and wear away enamel. You can lessen these effects by avoiding darker colored teas and lightening up coffee with milk.
- Wine: Red wine is dark and acidic — two properties that can easily stain teeth. While white wine is lighter colored, it contains more acid, which can also stain enamel.
- Juices: Dark juices — like cranberry, blueberry, and grape — can all stain teeth because they are dark and full of acids that can make teeth yellow.
- Tomato sauce: Because of their dark nature, tomato-based sauces can stain teeth. However, there is no reason to omit this sauce completely. Before diving into your pasta, eat some of the veggies listed above that can protect your teeth from stains.
- Curry:Curry is known for making teeth appear yellow. The color is so bright that it can stain teeth instantly. If you’re a curry fanatic, make sure to brush your teeth directly after.
While the above foods and drinks can stain teeth, that doesn’t mean you need to avoid them completely. Everything should be taken in moderation and there are simple ways you can modify your diet to avoid or limit these foods.
For example, if you’re used to having curry once a week, try eating it every other week. If you can’t give up cranberry juice, drink it with a straw instead. Little modifications like this can make a huge difference in the long run. For more tips on how to modify your diet to include more smile brightening foods, download our printable grocery list below!
DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE GROCERY LIST
Additional Ways to Achieve a Brighter Smile
Keep in mind that while changing your diet can help with cleaning, whitening, and maintaining a bright smile, you won’t see results right away and the results you see will be limited. If you’re looking for fast, impressive results, try anat-home whitening productlike Auraglow.
Auraglow delivers everything you need to whiten your teeth at home or on the go. On top of brushing, flossing, and eating the right foods, take your oral health to the next level by investing in awhitening kitwith an LED light. This deluxe whitening kit delivers professional teeth whitening results, without the added cost and hassle. You can reverse years of stains in just a few days, so you can be proud of your smile again.
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FAQs
10 Foods That Make Your Teeth White (+ What To Avoid) | Auraglow? ›
Dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt and milk, contain lactic acid and the enamel-fortifying mineral calcium, which strengthen teeth while also whitening them. Chewing on cheese also prompts production of saliva, which washes away staining food particles.
What foods keep teeth white? ›- Strawberries. They may stain your shirt, but they could work to whiten teeth, since they contain an enzyme called malic acid. ...
- Apples, celery and carrots. ...
- Oranges and pineapples. ...
- Baking soda. ...
- Yogurt, milk and cheese.
Dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt and milk, contain lactic acid and the enamel-fortifying mineral calcium, which strengthen teeth while also whitening them. Chewing on cheese also prompts production of saliva, which washes away staining food particles.
What drink whitens teeth? ›Water. Water is one of the drinks that whiten teeth. It not only keeps you hydrated, but it also helps prevent the formation of stains on your teeth. Swish some water in your mouth after you eat or drink pigment-rich foods or fluids to maintain a brighter, whiter smile.
What makes teeth white fast? ›Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Studies have shown that toothpaste that contains 1% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda which can whiten teeth significantly. Further studies also show that brushing with toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide and baking soda twice in a day can whiten your teeth by 62% in just six weeks.
Takeaway. Strawberries, watermelon, and dairy products may help whiten your teeth. These foods contain compounds with lightening properties. Pineapple and papaya also have proteolytic enzymes that dissolve stain-causing proteins on your teeth.
Do bananas whiten teeth? ›Banana peels don't do anything to whiten your teeth. Many articles recommend rubbing the peel against your teeth for a few minutes. While this could scrub off some surface stains, it's no more effective than brushing your teeth. Banana peels have no special whitening properties.
What foods make teeth yellow? ›- Tea and coffee. Tea (including green tea) and coffee contain tannins, which cause staining.
- Red wine. Drinking red wine is one of the most common causes of tooth staining.
- Cola. ...
- Fruit juices. ...
- Tomato-based sauces. ...
- Curry. ...
- Balsamic vinegar. ...
- Soy sauce.
Yes, it can help keep teeth whiter! Drinking water helps ensure dark-colored beverages and foods do not leave stains on your teeth. Water washes the colored residues these foods and drinks leave behind.
What whitens teeth overnight? ›With Colgate's Optic White Teeth Whitening Pen, you can whiten teeth overnight when used as directed. Keep in mind it takes time to see the full results, but with consistency and by following product instructions, the Optic White Pen removes years of stains in as little as one week.
What helps whiten teeth fast at home? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
How can I make my teeth 100% white? ›- Practice oil pulling. ...
- Brush with baking soda. ...
- Use hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Eat fruits and vegetables. ...
- Prevent tooth stains before they happen. ...
- Don't underestimate the value of brushing and flossing.
Dentists generally recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, but you can whiten them by brushing after every meal with a whitening toothpaste. These brands of toothpaste are not strong enough to help you remove deep discoloration, but they can help you scrub off some surface stains and mild discoloration.
What whitens teeth the best? ›- Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid. ...
- Burt's Bees Whitening Toothpaste. ...
- Nu Skin AP 24 Toothpaste. ...
- Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening Trays. ...
- Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Whitening Kit. ...
- SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit with Premium Wireless LED Light. ...
- Colgate Optic White Express Teeth Whitening Pen.
One-part salt and three parts mustard oil is all you need. So, if you are taking one teaspoon of salt, use three teaspoons of mustard oil, and rub it on your teeth for a few minutes. You can either use your finger to massage it on your gums and teeth or gently use your toothbrush.
What tea whitens teeth? ›White tea, yerba mate, and rooibos are great coffee alternatives that won't stain your teeth. White tea comes from the same plant as green tea, but is minimally processed to preserve its health benefits.
Can cheese make your teeth white? ›Similar to broccoli, dairy products like cheese and yogurt cause your mouth to produce excess saliva, which helps to break down stains on enamel. However, unlike broccoli, cheese has an additional whitening effect because it contains lactic acid and helps to dissolve superficial stains on the surface of your teeth.
What causes yellow teeth? ›Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine. These substances get into the enamel of your teeth and can cause long-term discoloration. Smoking: Smoking is one of the top causes of yellow or brown teeth, and stains from smoking can be stubborn.
Can baking soda whiten teeth? ›Baking soda is good for teeth whitening because it is a very mild abrasive, which helps remove stains from the surface of your teeth. In addition, baking soda is alkaline and salty, which helps lighten acid-based food stains – such as those from coffee, tea, and red wine – on teeth.
Does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›Hydrogen peroxide is one of the more affordable ways to whiten your teeth as many people have it in their homes. Also, hydrogen peroxide is used in plenty of teeth whitening products.
Can lemon whiten teeth? ›
Lemon Peel and Juice
Yet another great fruit that works also as a great teeth whitener is lemon. Lemons contain high acid level in the peel, which is a great whitener or even bleaching agent.
- Brushing frequently. Share on Pinterest Brushing and using mouthwash regularly will help to reduce the buildup of plaque. ...
- Whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste may help reduce yellowing of the teeth and improve whiteness. ...
- Tray-based tooth whiteners. ...
- Whitening strips. ...
- Whitening rinses. ...
- Activated charcoal.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Using this mixture removes bacteria and buildup of plaque to get rid of surface stains. Create a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste and use it to brush your teeth. After that, use water to rinse the mouth. You can also create a mouthwash using equal amounts of each ingredient.
- Brushing your teeth. Your first plan of action should be to brush your teeth more often and in the correct manner. ...
- Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Coconut oil pulling. ...
- Apple cider vinegar. ...
- Lemon, orange, or banana peels. ...
- Activated charcoal. ...
- Eating fruits and vegetables with a higher water content.
Apples contain the same malic acids as strawberries, which help remove teeth stains to give you a whiter smile. In addition to teeth whitening, apples also provide the dental benefit of strengthening your gums due to their crunchiness.
Is Honey good for teeth whitening? ›The advice of traditional medicine professionals guides those whose teeth need to be whitened and bacterial removal. Brushing and washing teeth with salt and honey is one of the essential ways.
Does pineapple juice whiten teeth? ›PINEAPPLE. Pineapples can not only make most smoothies super tasty, it's good for teeth whitening too! Pineapples are one of the only foods that contain an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain can help with removing plaque from the surface of your teeth and it serves as a natural stain remover too!
How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›Because baking soda removes discoloration from the surface of your teeth, it won't remove deeper stains. According to the Mayo Clinic, toothpaste containing baking soda can help coffee and smoking stains, and it could take between two to six weeks for you to notice a difference.
Does Crest White Strips work? ›If you want to know the truth, yes, Crest Whitestrips do work. They can make your teeth look whiter because of a gel that is spread along the strip and placed onto the surface of your teeth. This substance contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and works to penetrate the tooth enamel to remove stains.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth? ›Generally at this concentration you would need to have your teeth in contact with the 3% hydrogen peroxide for about 5 hours a day for about 2-3 weeks to have meaningful tooth whitening, which is very difficult to do with a watery liquid.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Can my teeth become white again after turning yellow? Yes, there are a number of ways that you can help whiten teeth again after they have yellowed, from changing toothpaste and mouthwash to dental hygiene appointments.
Does apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›Since it's naturally acidic, it helps break down plaque or other substances stuck to the teeth. The pH of apple cider vinegar can remove stains from your teeth, which helps naturally whiten your teeth.
Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday? ›When the enamel is eroded so badly, in its thinnest form your inner layer can be seen, dentin. Dentin has a natural yellow color. So, if your enamel is transparent enough to show your dentin, your teeth look yellow even if you brush them every day.
What is the healthiest and fastest way to whiten teeth? ›For the safest and most effective at-home teeth whitening method, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends you use custom-fitted trays supplied by your dentist. Ill-fitting teeth whitening trays can cause the gel to ooze out and irritate your gums.
Why won't my teeth whiten? ›If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
What foods make your teeth yellow? ›- Tea and coffee. Tea (including green tea) and coffee contain tannins, which cause staining.
- Red wine. Drinking red wine is one of the most common causes of tooth staining.
- Cola. ...
- Fruit juices. ...
- Tomato-based sauces. ...
- Curry. ...
- Balsamic vinegar. ...
- Soy sauce.
Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates, and other vibrant fruits can stain teeth. So can juices and pies made from them. Paler fruits, like white grapes and white cranberries, are less likely to cause stains.
What will make your teeth yellow? ›Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables (for example, apples, and potatoes) can stain your teeth. Tobacco use. Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth. Poor dental hygiene.
Do bananas keep teeth white? ›Banana peels don't do anything to whiten your teeth. Many articles recommend rubbing the peel against your teeth for a few minutes. While this could scrub off some surface stains, it's no more effective than brushing your teeth. Banana peels have no special whitening properties.
What vegetable makes your teeth whiter? ›Coarse, crunchy vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower have whitening benefits when you eat them raw. They're difficult to chew, so as you grind them up, the veggies strip superficial stains off of the surface of your teeth.
Is lemon good for yellow teeth? ›
It's a myth that you can safely whiten teeth with lemon juice and baking soda. Unlike toothpaste, baking soda is abrasive and will wear away your tooth enamel over time. Likewise, lemon juice is too acidic to sit on the surface of your teeth.
Why do teeth get yellow so fast? ›Poor Oral Hygiene
Stained teeth also can be a sign of plaque buildup or tooth decay. When you do not routinely brush, floss and rinse your mouth to remove plaque buildup and help prevent tartar buildup, this can hasten teeth discoloration.
Even with daily brushing, certain foods and drinks can cause stained teeth. For example, frequently drinking coffee, tea and wine can all lead to yellow teeth. In addition, even regular brushing cannot always combat yellow teeth caused by smoking cigarettes.
What foods don't stain teeth? ›- Apples.
- Bananas.
- Broccoli.
- Cauliflower.
- Celery.
- Cheese.
- Chicken.
- Cucumber.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the more affordable ways to whiten your teeth as many people have it in their homes. Also, hydrogen peroxide is used in plenty of teeth whitening products.