Can Strawberries Whiten Your Teeth?
Can Strawberries Whiten Your Teeth?
July 7th is National Strawberry Sundae Day. Although this delicious treat has many flavorful variations, all strawberry sundaes are topped with a bountiful helping of sliced, whole, or chopped strawberries.
Fun facts: Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside and are a member of the rose family.
We would like to take this opportunity to talk about the dental benefits of strawberries. Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, which helps your body make collagen for healthy gums. Strawberries also contain xylitol, which prevents cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Read more about the Nutritional Benefits of the Strawberry.
Finally, this leaves us with the big question… Can Strawberries Whiten Your Teeth?
Yes! Strawberries contain the tooth-whitening enzyme called malic acid, which can brighten up a dull smile. Remember that berries are very acidic and using this home remedy too frequently could damage the enamel on your teeth.
There are only two ingredients in this strawberry whitening recipe:
- 1 Strawberry
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
Follow these simple instructions to get your whiter smile using the strawberry / baking soda mix method:
- Puree or crush one strawberry.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and mix well.
- Dip your toothbrush into the mixture.
- Coat your teeth well.
- Let the mixture sit on your teeth for about 5 minutes.
- Brush your teeth with regular toothpaste and floss right away.
Of course, nothing is as effective as a professional whitening treatment. However, there are whitening toothpastes and natural whitening methods that can be used in moderation to help maintain your bright, stain-free smile. Always remember to brush as soon as possible after eating acidic and sugary foods.
Don’t forget dental checkups and cleanings should be done every 6 months to maintain your healthy smile. Contact South Tampa Smiles at (813) 289 – 0560 to make your next appointment. Our friendly staff will find a day and time that works best with your busy schedule. We have appointment times before and after work hours 7 am to 7 pm for your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!
