Are you searching for a gentler way to achieve a bright smile—even on the those hard to reach molars? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Several foods like raw vegetables and fresh fruits contain key ingredients that shield teeth from decay and combat hard-to-remove plaque. Try them for yourself. We’ve gathered some foods below to help you achieve a brighter smile with every bite.

Strawberries

A paste made of strawberries and baking soda has been known to reveal a naturally whiter smile. The malic acid in the bright fruit acts as a whitener, but brushing afterwards is a must since the berry also contains sugars.

Oranges

Don’t throw the peel away! Contrary to popular belief, orange peels are not acidic like other citrus fruits. The skin of the fruit contains variants of vitamin C, which can be a substitute for 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.

Carrots

This crunchy veggie has an abrasive surface that stains don’t stand a chance next to. Besides just snacking on a raw carrot, try rubbing the bright roots against your teeth for a quick smooth polish.

Broccoli

Eat this veggie raw and it can act as a natural toothbrush that can clean teeth as you chomp away. Plus, the high levels of iron can coat the enamel to help ward off stains, harmful bacteria, and acid erosion.

We hope you enjoyed this list of teeth whitening alternatives! If you ever want a stronger whitening, give us a call and we would be more than happy to help out! And remember, while the foods above can help you have a healthy smile, they are no substitute for regular brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings.  It’s important to keep up with your six-month cleaning appointments.

If you are looking for a Paducah area dentist, we hope you will give us a call at Johnson Family Dental in Paducah.  You can reach us by phone at (270) 554-2432, visit our office at 2913 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY or CLICK HERE to contact us!