I’m a health expert and there are 5 foods that can help whiten your teeth – and you’re probably already eating them

DID YOU know that some foods can actually help brighten your smile rather than dim it?

Unlike coffee and red wine, which can stain your teeth, there are five foods that can naturally whiten them, health expert Jennifer Nelson told AARP.

GettyA health expert revealed five foods that will naturally whiten your teeth[/caption]

GettyThe malic acid in strawberries helps whiten your smile[/caption]

STRAWBERRIES

Juicy strawberries might drip red on your clothing, but they can be used to obtain a sparkly smile due to their malic acid.

Nelson suggests mashing up the strawberries in a bowl and rubbing them across your teeth.

After five minutes, she said to rinse with water and then brush and floss as normal.

APPLES, CELERY, AND CARROTS

Eating more fruits and veggies, like apples, celery, and carrots, can actually act as natural stain removers, Nelson says.

She said as they increase the saliva production in your mouth, they’re also killing bacteria and curing your bad breath.

ORANGES AND PINEAPPLE

The health expert also shared that citrusy fruits can act as a natural mouth wash.

As the citrus forces your mouth to make more saliva, Nelson said it is naturally washing your teeth.

Be cautious of lemons though, as she said their high levels of acidity can damage your teeth rather than help them.

YOGURT, MILK, AND CHEESE

Nelson says dairy products contain lactic acid, which helps prevent tooth decay.

She said: “Researchers think proteins in yogurt may bind to teeth and prevent them from attack by harmful acids that cause cavities.”

She also claims that harder cheeses are best for whitening as they also help remove food particles.

BAKING SODA

Though not exactly a food, this ingredient does wonders when it comes to whitening your smile.

For a quick and easy solution, she said you can use a toothbrush to apply baking soda directly to your teeth.

Or, to make life even easier, you can purchase toothpaste that already contains the abrasive.

Another at-home teeth whitening remedy, known as oil pulling, can be done by swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes.

GettyCitrusy fruits force your mouth to produce more saliva[/caption]

GettyThe lactic acid in dairy helps prevent tooth decay[/caption]