Certain foods can naturally cleanse, brighten and defend your mouth against bacteria. Mother nature provides organic ways to protect your smile and reveal a natural whiteness without harsh products. These cheap and natural foods can actively work to clean and protect your teeth. If you are searching for a gentler way to achieve a brighter smile here are 7 natural remedies for whiter teeth that you may already have in your kitchen.

Carrots

Crunchy veggies work to scrub teeth, and increase saliva production. Saliva works to wash away food debris, and reduces bacteria that cause bad breath. Carrots contain vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel. Eat them raw to stimulate saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser.

Broccoli

Eating crisp raw broccoli can help clean and polish your teeth. Broccoli contains iron which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth. Crunchy fiber-rich veggies are natural stain removers. Coarse foods scrub teeth as you eat them to help to clean your teeth and gums in between meals when you may not be able to brush and floss.

Strawberries

Strawberries red color can stain clothing, but they can make your pearly whites brighter when you eat them. They contain an enzyme called malic acid that cleans your teeth and helps to remove surface stains. Strawberries are also filled with antioxidants that help reduce stain-attracting bacteria and inflammation in your mouth. No matter how you eat them, you will be brightening your smile.

Yogurt, and milk

Dairy products contain tooth-strengthening calcium, and contain lactic acid. Milk fortifies enamel for strong teeth. Plaque bacteria in our mouth produce acids, and these acids eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Researchers believe the proteins in yogurt may bind to teeth and shield your teeth from these harmful acids.

Cheese

Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which can help buffer your teeth from the acids in your mouth. Calcium and phosphorus also assist in the remineralization or repairing of your teeth. The casein in cheese has been shown to prevent mineral loss from your teeth’s enamel. Hard cheeses are best for whitening, since they help remove food particles as well.

Oranges

Eating oranges increases saliva to protect from your teeth from bacteria and plaque. Vitamin C can help prevent gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Don’t throw the peel away. Orange peels are not acidic like other citrus counterparts. The skin contains variants of Vitamin C. This can be a substitute for harsh teeth whiteners. Thoroughly wash off the peel, then rub the inner, white portion across the surface of the enamel to fight tartar buildup and minimize plaque.

Pineapples

Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that acts as a natural stain remover and helps to whiten teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that can erode the enamel of your teeth. Bromelain helps break up plaque, and remove the sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth.

These cheap and natural foods can give you a whiter smile gently. They contain key ingredients that shield teeth from decay and combat hard-to-remove plaque. Eat these foods every day to brighten your smile naturally.