Teeth-whitening is Not Just for Women

4 Foods That Can Whiten Your Smile

by Dianne Rodriquez

Over-the-counter whitening strips can be effective at reducing stains and discoloration from teeth, but for many people, this isn't an option because whitening strips cause too much tooth sensitivity and pain. If you're one of the many who cannot use whitening strips, you may be searching for other inexpensive and pain-free ways to achieve a whiter your smile. Consider using the following foods to remove stains and whiten your teeth.

Banana Peel

Banana peel is said to be a natural teeth whitener, albeit a gradual one.  This all-natural whitening method requires patience because you probably won't see whiter teeth overnight, but many claim that it does work over time. Because bananas do not contain acids that can harm your tooth enamel, feel free to do this whitening trick as often as you wish.

Here are three easy steps to achieving a whiter smile using a banana peel.

  1. Peel a banana.
  2. Continuously rub the surfaces of your teeth with the inside of the peel for two minutes.
  3. Brush and floss as you normally would.

Obviously, a banana peel isn't as fast-acting as a whitening strip or gel, but you should eventually see results by repeating this process daily.

Orange Rind

Orange rinds contain the natural solvent, d-limonene which is known for reducing tobacco stains on teeth when used in toothpastes and OTC whiteners.  Keep in mind that oranges are also full of citric acid, so always rinse out your mouth after trying this whitening method to avoid damaging your tooth enamel. To whiten your teeth with an orange rind, follow these easy steps:

  1. Peel an orange.
  2. Using the inside of the rind, rub it across your teeth for about a minute.
  3. Immediately rinse out your mouth with a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.

The hydrogen peroxide-water mixture helps increase the whitening effects, as well as removes all traces of citric acid from your teeth.

Strawberries

According to Health Magazine, the malic acid in strawberries is responsible for removing surface stains on teeth.  However, this acid can also erode the enamel on your teeth if you're not careful. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out your entire mouth after using this DIY whitening trick.

Although you can use plain strawberries, most people who use this whitening method recommend adding baking soda to the mix for best results. Here's how you do it:

  1. Crush one strawberry into a pulp.
  2. Add a half-teaspoon of baking soda to the berry pulp and mix together well.
  3. With a damp toothbrush, spread the strawberry-baking soda mixture on your teeth and let it sit for five minutes.
  4. After five minutes, wet your toothbrush and gently brush the mixture around on your teeth one last time.
  5. Completely rinse your mouth out with water, removing all traces of pulp from your teeth and gums.

If you don't want to use baking soda, simply rub a whole strawberry across surface stains on your teeth. After a few seconds, rinse your mouth out with water.

Raw Nuts and Sesame Seeds

Nibbling on raw nuts and seeds can help scrub away surface stains from your teeth because of the light abrasive action of chewing. While all types of raw seeds can be used in this way, calcium-rich sesame seeds are particularly good for your dental health. In addition to whitening your teeth, sesame seed oil has been used for thousands of years to treat oral conditions like:

  • Bleeding Gums
  • Halitosis
  • Weak Jaw and Gums
  • Tooth Decay

Studies show the practice of sesame seed oil pulling (swishing sesame seed oil around in the mouth) is just as effective as mouthwash for improving gingivitis.

These all-natural whiteners can gradually provide a whiter smile, without causing the pain of whitening strips. Remember, before using anything on your teeth, it's always a good idea to discuss it with a dentist form a clinic like Dentrick Dental Care first.

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