To get a pair of pearly whites, puree or crush one strawberry, add ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and mix well. Dip your toothbrush into the mixture, and coat your teeth with it. Let the mixture sit on your teeth for about five minutes before brushing your teeth with your regular toothpaste.
Contents
Can strawberries make teeth whiter?
Whitening your teeth is a matter of proper oral care and finding the right products. There are many supposedly healthy teeth-whitening remedies popular online, and one of the more popular ones involves whitening teeth using a paste made from strawberries.
- So should you actually try it? The truth is, using strawberries to whiten your teeth may do more harm than good.
- There are plenty of other affordable solutions for getting a dazzling smile without actually hurting your tooth enamel.
- Let’s take a look at why some people believe strawberries can whiten your teeth, why you should avoid it, and what you should try instead.
People who swear by using strawberries to whiten teeth aren’t coming up with this claim out of nowhere. Strawberries do have properties that would hint at their effectiveness as a teeth-whitening agent. Ripe strawberries contain citric acid, which may give teeth a whiter appearance after you apply it to them.
- However, citric acid is known to accelerate the demineralization of your teeth.
- In other words, this type of acid breaks down your tooth enamel, making any benefit of whitening negligible.
- Strawberries also contain malic acid, which is also present in apples.
- Malic acid is a natural enamel whitener.
- But here’s the problem: Strawberries don’t contain any ingredients that can actually lift stains to whiten your teeth.
Rubbing strawberries on your teeth may create the illusion of whiter teeth for an hour or so, as your teeth are scrubbed clean from plaque and are gleaming. But the effect is superficial. Soon after, your teeth will be back to looking like they did before you used strawberries.
Mixing strawberries with baking soda to create a toothpaste to whiten your teeth probably won’t work as well as you might hope, either. Baking soda does work to remove plaque from your teeth and even has natural whitening properties. But mixing mashed strawberries with baking soda will likely create a messy paste that leaves sugar on your teeth, negating baking soda’s benefits.
A 2014 University of Iowa study attempted to figure out, once and for all, whether baking soda and strawberries could team up as a whitening superpower. The answer was disappointing. Using strawberries and baking soda on 20 recently extracted teeth three times over the span of 10 days didn’t reveal any visible whitening result.
Which fruit is best for white teeth?
Limit foods that stain your teeth – You can prevent additional discoloration by limiting tooth-staining foods and drinks, These foods include:
dark berriestomato-based saucescurrycoffeeblack teared winedark colafruit juiceenergy drinks
When you do drink a tooth-staining beverage, use a straw to reduce the risk of stains. You can also add milk to coffee and tea to further minimize the risk. Strawberries, watermelon, and dairy products may help whiten your teeth. These foods contain compounds with lightening properties.
Do strawberries remove plaque?
Do Strawberries Really Whiten Teeth? Like, using strawberries to brighten your smile has been touted as a miracle at-home treatment by some holistic bloggers and websites. According to these sources, mixing baking soda with crushed strawberries and brushing with the mixture can remove surface stains and help whiten teeth.
- And this is not entirely false.
- Indeed, research conducted at the University of Iowa found that this mixture was capable of removing surface debris from teeth.
- Unfortunately, due to the high concentration of both citric and malic acid in strawberries, this mixture reduced surface hardness on subjects’ teeth by 10%.
Not only can this lead to tooth sensitivity, it can allow dentin – the yellowish, calcified tissue just below your enamel – to show through, further yellowing teeth. 
The takeaway? Strawberries have the same tooth whitening properties as most over the counter toothpaste. Their acid content aids in the removal of surface debris and plaque, but it also impacts enamel strength and offers nothing to counter this negative impact.
Therefore, as with charcoal teeth whitening, brightening your smile with strawberries is not recommended. In fact, it is discouraged by most dental professionals. If you are looking for a safe and effective tooth whitening option in Cherry Creek or surrounding areas of Colorado, DeWitt Dental Associates can help.
Our experienced cosmetic dentists can determine the cause of your tooth discoloration and the types of staining present to personalize your for optimal results – without reducing enamel hardness and increasing risks of tooth sensitivity. We offer in-office whitening and take-home kits, giving you an opportunity to improve the shade of your teeth in the manner and amount of time you find most appealing.
What’s more, because teeth whitening at DeWitt Dental Associates is done under the supervision of an experienced and highly trained cosmetic dentist, you can rest assured that your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are held as top priorities. To schedule a tooth whitening consultation at our Cherry Creek office, please call DeWitt Dental Associates at today.
Our cosmetic dentists provide exceptional services and individualized treatments for men and women living in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood, and the entire Metro Denver area. Categories:, : Do Strawberries Really Whiten Teeth?
Can I eat strawberries before brushing teeth?
Brushing immediately after meals? You may want to wait. We’ve all heard that it’s best to brush our teeth after meals. But in some cases, did you know it is best to hold off brushing, at least temporarily? “We definitely recommend holding off on brushing after consuming anything acidic, whether it’s fruit, soda, juice, or sour candy,” says, DDS, assistant professor of dental medicine at Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine.
- The reason for that is that when acids are in the mouth, they weaken the enamel of the tooth, which is the outer layer of the tooth,” Rolle says.
- Brushing immediately after consuming something acidic can damage the enamel layer of the tooth.
- Waiting about 30 minutes before brushing allows tooth enamel to remineralize and build itself back up.
But Rolle says you can do something to help your teeth in the meantime: “After eating or drinking something acidic, I always recommend rinsing with or drinking water, which starts the remineralization process of the enamel.”
Does Strawberry stain teeth?
Strawberries – It may seem like strawberries would stain your teeth because of their bright color, but they are packed with a valuable enzyme, called malic acid. They can help whiten your teeth by working as an astringent for the surface of the teeth.
What drink whitens teeth?
10. 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 removes 100% more plaque?
How Do I Know if I Have Tartar? – Unlike plaque, which is usually colorless, tartar is visible to the naked eye if it is above the gumline. Most often, tartar has a yellow to brown hue, which greatly affects both the health and the appearance of your smile.
- The build-up of tartar can be prevented.
- A proper oral hygiene routine is the best way to reduce your chances of developing tartar.
- This is where electric toothbrushes, which remove up to 100% more plaque than regular manual toothbrushes, prove very useful.
- It is also worth choosing an appropriate stannous fluoride toothpaste with antibacterial, and enamel strengthening properties like Crest Pro-Health Densify Daily Protection Toothpaste.
Its 2X Enamel Protection System remineralizes weakened enamel and prevents demineralization for a long-lasting smile. The frequency and length of brushing is important. Proper oral hygiene will help reduce the amount of plaque on teeth, and in turn, prevent the formation of tartar.
Do apples whiten teeth?
Foods That Naturally Whiten Teeth It seems like every day we get more bad news that yet another one of our favorite foods has been deemed harmful for our teeth. First, it was coffee and tea, and now even some fruits have made the no-go list. But there is still hope! The good news is there are some foods that can actually provide natural teeth whitening.
- These foods are good for your teeth and can counteract some of the ugly stains that those other foods can cause.
- Strawberries We already loved strawberries, but these fruits just got a whole lot sweeter! Strawberries contain malic acids, which can dissolve surface stains on the teeth.
- Having a healthy balance of malic acids in your diet is an important part of maintaining dental health.
Strawberries also contain antioxidants called ellagitannins that can get rid of some of the bacteria that attract stains. Just be sure to use a fluoride-based mouth rinse and floss after eating these little gems to get the seeds out from between your teeth and to remove any excess acids.
- Pineapples Pineapples are the only food that naturally contains bromelain, which is an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that can also break down stains on the teeth.
- This is because the enzyme breaks up some of the proteins on your teeth that cause stains and discoloration, then your saliva washes the stains away.
Bromelain is such an effective natural teeth whitener that it is even found in some stain-removing toothpaste. Onions Onions contain sulfur compounds that can prevent the formation of plaque on your teeth. However, only raw onions offer this plaque-fighting benefit, so consider swapping out your sautéed onions for raw every now and then to reap the benefits of this natural teeth whitener.
We’ve all heard that an apple a day can keep the doctor away, but an onion a day can keep the stains away! Apples Speaking of apples, they are yet another fruit that can be used for natural teeth whitening. The crunch of biting into an apple followed by the extra chewing that you have to do both help scrub the plaque from your teeth.
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. Biting into an apple is basically aerobics for your teeth.
- Broccoli and Cauliflower The coarse texture of crisp, raw broccoli and cauliflower allows these vegetables to act as natural toothbrushes to help whiten your teeth.
- They scrub your teeth as you chew, and this action removes surface stains from your teeth and polishes them—just like a toothbrush! It also takes a while to chew these vegetables, which means your mouth is producing extra saliva.
Saliva helps break down stains, so the more saliva you produce to chew foods, the better. Broccoli also contains a lot of iron, which helps protect teeth from acid-producing bacteria. This guards the teeth from cavities and ugly stains. Celery Raw celery is known for its crunchy and fibrous textures.
- These make it another great vegetable for naturally whitening teeth because it actually scrubs surface stains from your teeth as you chew.
- The fibers even scrub in between the teeth, making celery nature’s dental floss! Celery is also extremely high in water content, which helps keep your teeth clean by loosening and washing away food debris and plaque.
Finally, chewing celery massages and strengthens your gums, leading to an overall healthier smile. If you want to give your mouth a workout and polish, grab a stalk of celery and start munching! Cheese and Yogurt These dairy products contain lactic acid, which is a natural teeth whitener similar to the malic acids found in strawberries and apples.
- Lactic acid dissolves teeth stains and protects against tooth decay.
- Cheese, yogurt, and milk all provide the teeth with calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for a healthy, white smile.
- These dairy products also contain casein, which prevents tooth decay by reducing the loss of minerals from your teeth.
Hard cheeses provide even more natural teeth whitening because eating them stimulates saliva production, which helps to break down stains and neutralize bacteria. Since you can thank cheese for a whiter smile, it makes sense that we say “cheese” when smiling for the camera! Water No matter what you are trying to accomplish, it seems that water is the panacea.
- When you are consuming foods or beverages that can stain your teeth, namely those with dark colorations, you should sip water both during and after to prevent teeth stains.
- Water also rinses food debris and plaque from your teeth, keeping your smile white.
- Make sure you drink still water instead of sparkling water, however, because the bubbles can be harmful to your teeth and erode enamel.
General Dentistry and Teeth Whitening in East Tennessee All these foods are good for your teeth and can help brighten your smile. They are so easy to incorporate into your daily diet, too. Swap out your after-dinner dessert for a cup of yogurt with strawberries.
Top your Tuesday tacos with some raw onions. And, if you’re brave, consider crossing party lines and add some pineapple to your pizza. Regularly consuming these foods can remove unsightly teeth stains to achieve a whiter smile. Have your teeth already been stained beyond what these natural teeth whitening foods can fix? Don’t despair! The experienced dentists at University General Dentists can help you achieve the beautiful, white smile of your dreams.
We offer professional teeth whitening services to safely whiten your teeth, either in-office or with customized bleaching trays for use at home. Schedule your appointment today at one of our two convenient locations to get started! Call our UT Medical Center Office at 865-305-9440 or our West Knoxville Office at 865-500-5700.
What eats plaque off teeth?
Carrots – Just like leafy greens and apples, carrots are full of fiber that gently cleans away plaque on your teeth as you eat. Snacking on carrots also stimulates saliva production, which naturally washes away debris left on teeth.
What does strawberry do for teeth?
Strawberries contain malic acid, a vital tooth whitening element. Malic acid whitens teeth by softening and dissolving stains. After using strawberry for teeth whitening, remember to floss to remove its seeds, which may stick between teeth.
How to whiten teeth hack?
You may be able to whiten your teeth at home naturally using products you can find in the grocery store. However, the science behind these methods is lacking. According to one survey, 80% of American adults ages 18-49 want whiter teeth and Americans reportedly spent over $1.4 billion on at-home whitening products in 2016 ( 1 ).
There are plenty of products to choose from when it comes to whitening your teeth. However, most whitening products use chemicals to bleach your teeth, which could be a concern for many people. If you want whiter teeth but also want to avoid the chemicals, this article lists many options that are both natural and safe.
Oil pulling is a traditional remedy, originating in India, meant to improve oral hygiene and remove toxins from the body. The practice involves swishing oil around in your mouth to remove bacteria, which can turn into plaque and cause your teeth to look yellow ( 5 ).
Coconut oil is a popular choice because it has a pleasant taste and offers many health benefits, Coconut oil is also high in lauric acid, which is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria ( 6, 7 ). A few studies have shown that daily oil pulling reduces bacteria in the mouth, along with plaque and gingivitis ( 6, 8 ).
Want Whiter Teeth? Are Strawberries The Answer?! | Gimmick or Gamechanger
Streptococcus mutans is one of the primary types of bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque and gingivitis, One study found that daily swishing with coconut oil significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans after two weeks and was as effective as an antimicrobial mouthwash ( 9 ).
No scientific studies have proven that oil pulling whitens your teeth. However, it’s a safe practice and worth a try. Many people claim their teeth are whiter and brighter after regular oil pulling. To oil pull, put 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil in your mouth and push and pull the oil through your teeth.
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so you may need to wait a few seconds for it to melt. Continue the oil pulling for 15–20 minutes. Be sure to spit the coconut oil into a toilet or trash can, as it could return to solid form once in your drain pipes and cause a clog.
Unlike many other tooth whitening methods, coconut oil pulling does not expose your teeth to acid or other ingredients that erode the enamel. This means it’s safe to do daily. Baking soda has natural whitening properties, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in commercial toothpaste. It’s a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface stains on teeth ( 10, 11 ).
Additionally, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing ( 10 ). This isn’t a remedy that will whiten your teeth overnight, but you should notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth over time.
- Science has not yet proven that brushing with plain baking soda will whiten your teeth, but several studies show that toothpaste containing baking soda can improve dental health and may have a whitening effect.
- One study found that toothpastes containing baking soda were significantly more effective at reducing plaque, gum inflammation, and bleeding more than regular toothpaste without baking soda ( 12 ).
Furthermore, another review concluded that toothpastes containing baking soda may be more effective at removing stains and whitening teeth than other types of toothpaste ( 13 ). To use this remedy, mix 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water (5 ml) and brush your teeth with the paste.
You can do this a few times per week. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that also kills bacteria in your mouth ( 14 ). In fact, people have been using hydrogen peroxide for years to disinfect wounds because of its ability to kill bacteria. Many commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, although at a much higher concentration than you will use at home.
No studies have investigated the effects of rinsing or brushing with hydrogen peroxide alone, but several studies have analyzed commercial toothpastes containing peroxide. One study found that a toothpaste containing a higher amount of hydrogen peroxide was more effective at whitening teeth after 12 weeks than toothpastes that contained a lower amount ( 15 ).
- Another study found that a toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide was more effective than other types of toothpaste — including charcoal-containing and abrasive toothpastes — at reducing tooth discoloration caused by coffee ( 16 ).
- However, there are some questions regarding the safety of hydrogen peroxide.
While heavily diluted concentrations appear safe, strong concentrations or overuse can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity, There’s also concern that high doses may cause cancer, but this has not been proven ( 14, 17, 18 ). One way to use hydrogen peroxide is as a mouthwash before you brush your teeth.
- Make sure you are using a 1.5% or 3% solution to avoid side effects.
- The most common concentration of hydrogen peroxide at the drugstore is a 3% solution.
- You can dilute this concentration to 1.5% by mixing equal parts peroxide and water.
- Another way to use hydrogen peroxide is by mixing it with baking soda to make a toothpaste.
Combine 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda and gently brush your teeth with the mixture. Limit the use of this homemade paste to a few times per week, as overuse can erode your tooth enamel. A diet high in fruits and vegetables may be good for both your body and your teeth.
Do strawberries permanently stain?
Are Berry Stains Permanent? – Berry stains should not be permanent if you have not put clothes or fabrics through the dryer. If you rinse the stain quickly and work with vinegar, cool water, and a little rubbing alcohol, the stains should come out.
How can I eat fruit without damaging my teeth?
Swish with water : After eating a piece of fruit, our teeth and mouth will be covered in the acids that the fruit naturally contains. To help ensure that these acids are not slowly damaging our teeth, swish a mouthful or two of water right after you finish eating.
Is it better to brush your teeth in the morning or at night?
Is it Better to Brush in the Morning or at Night? The Answer is Both! – Brushing your teeth in both the morning and at night is important for healthy smiles! During the day and throughout the night, our mouths encounter different types of bacteria and produce saliva as a defense to fight the development of tooth decay and gum disease.
Can I brush my teeth for 10 minutes?
Brushing for ten minutes then can cause cavities by stripping away the protective enamel coating on your teeth, leaving them at the mercy of acidic foods and cavity-causing bacteria. It is a good thing that you care so much about your teeth. However, brushing for 10 minutes a session is not the way to go about it.
What fruit cleans your teeth?
Apples and Citrus Fruit Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, eating an apple or other fibrus fruits like oranges, carrots or celery can help clean your teeth and increases salivation, which can neutralize the citric and malic acids left behind in your mouth.
What fruits make teeth yellow?
Fruits and Berries – 5 /11 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. But they do have acid that can soften or weaken your enamel. 