7 Dos & Don’ts For Whiter Teeth

7 Dos & Don’ts For White Teeth Who doesn’t want a sparkling smile? We all do, and that is why so many people today go through great lengths to get their teeth looking pearly white.

If you’re hoping to avoid whitening strips and bleach trays, research proves there are a few ways to get that mega-watt smile without enduring chemical treatments. Good ‘ol oral hygiene is still a must, but on top of that, here are a few natural ways to get your teeth looking a brighter shade of white…and a few whitening rumors to ignore.

Do: Eat Crunchy Fruits and Veggies Dr. Arthur Glosman, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, calls crispy fruits and veggies “nature’s toothbrushes.” Noshing on natural, crunchy foods like apples, celery and carrots will help lift stains and clean the tooth surface without causing damage to your enamel.

Do: Floss Just because you can’t see stains from the front, doesn’t mean they’re not there. Flossing will remove any bacteria stuck between your teeth. Your smile will instantly look a few watts brighter.

Don’t: Use Vinegar and Lemon Glosman says he’s heard of people who have used apple cider and vinegar to whiten their teeth, but he says that’s a don’t. The acid can actually damage your enamel.

Do: Eat Cheese There is evidence that eating a tiny bit of cheese after a meal can aid in preventing tooth decay and help with enamel re-mineralization, Glosman says. In addition, the calcium and phosphorus found in products like milk and yogurt can help keep your chompers strong and healthy.

Do: Chew Sugar-Free Gym With Xylitol The natural sweetener Xylitol neutralizes pH levels in the mouth. That increases saliva production, which can help prevent plaque build up. However, while saliva helps to wash food away, it can also carry bacteria around your mouth, so don’t skip your daily brushings!

Don’t: Brush With Baking Soda Baking soda has whitening properties, but using it long-term as a tooth whitener can hurt your enamel. Dr. Kimberly Harms, D.D.S, the consumer advisor for the America Dental Association, suggests using a whitening toothpaste instead—those contain safe amounts of strong, ADA-approved properties so that you won’t damage your teeth.

Maybe: Eat Chocolate Covered Strawberries Some evidence suggests that strawberries have teeth-whitening properties and that chocolate contains bacteria-reducing elements in thanks to the cocoa bean husk. A double benefit? Maybe. But don’t forget that this delectable dessert still has sugar.