Having your teeth professionally whitened can not only transform the appearance of your smile, but can also help to boost your self-esteem. If you've been shy about entering the dating scene or resistant to going for a promotion at work because of the look of your teeth, a teeth whitening procedure can give you the confidence to succeed. Regardless of the exact method used to whiten your teeth, there are a number of foods that you can incorporate into your diet in the weeks and months ahead to keep your smile as bright as possible. Here are three foods that offer such benefits.

Apples

The adage that an apple a day will keep the doctor away could be tweaked to include "doctor and dentist." This commonplace fruit is beneficial to the brightness of your smile in several ways. The fiber of the apple can help to actually scrub your teeth; as you chew, the fruit's light acidity helps to rub away stains on the surfaces of your tooth enamel. It's best to always eat the peel with the apple, as the former includes the extra acidity necessary for cleaning your teeth. The sweet burst of flavor and addition of fiber can help you avoid a sweet craving that could lead you to consume something that stains your smile, such as a soft drink.

Strawberries

Their delicious, juicy nature aside, strawberries are ideal to incorporate into your diet. The malic acid in this common fruit can help to brighten the color of your smile. Although eating strawberries regularly can help to keep stains from developing on your teeth, some people grind a few berries, add baking soda to the pulp and use this concoction as a homemade toothpaste. Brushing with the paste will help to remove any stains that are slowly developing, although it's important to always rinse your mouth with water and mouthwash to avoid the malic acid from staying on your tooth too long, as it could damage your enamel over time.

Coconut Oil

While coconut oil is a fixture in many healthy baking recipes, putting it directly into your mouth and then swishing it around can help you whiten your teeth. Known as "oil pulling," this process requires that you put a tablespoon of the oil into your mouth and then circulate it 15 to 20 minutes. Although it can take a little time to get accustomed to the sensation of the oil in your mouth, coconut oil has a pleasant flavor and the whiter smile you experience in time can make the time investment worthwhile.

Share