Health: Find out how to use fruits as a natural teeth-whitener

More Than A Healthy Snack: Use fruits as a natural teeth whitener

MF editorial team

21 Sep 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 22:28

1/4
Strawberries
These juicy summer fruits aren’t just a healthy and delicious snack. Strawberries contain malic acid, an organic compound that is used commonly in skincare to brighten and smoothen the skin. For best results, mash a strawberry to form a paste and leave on your teeth for about five minutes before rinsing it off. Follow with your daily oral care hygiene practices.
2/4
Apples
Like strawberries, apples also contain high amounts of malic acid. In addition, this crunchy snack gently scraps away at plaque on your teeth as chewing it creates friction against your teeth. Snacking on an apple also increases saliva production, which helps kill bacteria in your mouth, ensuring fresh breath and a healthy mouth.
3/4
Citrus Fruits
Tangy citrus fruits like oranges, pineapples and lemons are great at increasing saliva production to clean your mouth. However mainly these fruits are known for their high volume of citric acid, which is said to whiten skin, hair and even teeth. Be sure to consume and use these fruits in moderation as citric acid wears away tooth enamels, weakening them.
4/4
Bananas
Okay, this is a weird one. Search “teeth-whitening” on Pinterest and you’ll be be swarmed by many a pin swearing to the prowess of the banana peel. Many claim you can reap the benefits of potassium, magnesium and manganese by rubbing a banana peel on your teeth for two minutes. This bizzare method helps teeth absorb the minerals, making them whiter and stronger.

Wanting a million dollar smile doesn’t necessarily mean you need to break the bank; all you need is a basket of fruits.

Caffeine stains aren’t cute, but that doesn’t mean we are willing to give up our morning cup of jo. While we all covet rows of pearly whites, getting them done at the dentist is an expensive choice. Even home remedies come at a cost; the popular choice of brushing teeth with baking soda can weaken your teeth and gums in the long run.

However, if you’re a fan of snacking on fruits, you’re in for some good news. As it turns out, having an apple a day keeps both the doctor and the dentist away. Fruits are the best alternative as they are not only inexpensive, but will do the least damage to your teeth and gums.

We list the fruits that you should snack on for a bright healthy smile.

Amanda Lim

Photos: Getty Images

5 Easy ways to love your body the way it is

10 Foods you should be eating before a workout

Nature’s Medicine: Fight against palpitations with marjoram essential oil

20 Fashion icons that have left their mark in cinema