Many people desire whiter, brighter teeth. A bright, white smile can make a great first impression and boost self-confidence. While commercial whitening products are popular, some natural methods using drinks can also help whiten and brighten your smile over time. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top drinks that can naturally whiten teeth without harsh chemicals. We’ll also overview how each drink works to remove stains and discoloration.
How Do Drinks Whiten Teeth?
Certain drinks contain natural properties that act as bleaching agents to whiten teeth. Common teeth-whitening agents found in drinks include:
- Malic acid – Found in apples and other fruits, malic acid helps remove surface stains.
- Citric acid – This weak acid found in citrus fruits may help strip away enamel stains.
- Polyphenols – Antioxidants found in green and black teas that inhibit plaque buildup.
- Silica – A mineral found in beer and some mineral waters that scrubs away stubborn stains.
- Peroxides – Baking soda and peroxide containing drinks create effervescence to lift stains.
- Vitamin C – This essential nutrient boosts collagen production for healthier gums.
- Vitamin D – Helps the body better absorb calcium for stronger enamel.
The acids help wipe away staining pigments on teeth enamel, while the antioxidants and minerals protect against new stains. Vitamin C and D also support oral health for a brighter smile.
Top 5 Teeth Whitening Drinks
Here are 5 of the top natural drinks for whitening your teeth:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for removing stains and whitening teeth.
How it works:
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar acts as a natural bleaching agent that breaks up stains. It also kills bacteria that cause plaque buildup responsible for yellowing. An apple cider vinegar rinse can help brighten smile.
How to use:
Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces water. Swish liquid in mouth for 30 seconds before gargling and spitting out. Rinse mouth with water afterwards. Repeat 1-2 times per week.
2. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Combining baking soda with fresh lemon juice creates a DIY teeth whitening solution.
How it works:
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that gently scrubs away surface stains, while also neutralizing acids that erode enamel. The citric acid in lemon juice helps remove discoloration, and its vitamin C content promotes gum health.
How to use:
Stir 1 teaspoon baking soda into 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until combined into a paste. Using a toothbrush, brush paste onto teeth for 1-2 minutes, then rinse. Use a few times per week as needed.
3. Strawberries
The juicy berry contains a brightening enzyme called malic acid.
How it works:
The malic acid in strawberries acts to dissolve surface discoloration on teeth enamel. Strawberries also contain vitamin C to support gum and tooth health.
How to use:
Mash 5-6 strawberries into a paste. Use a toothbrush to spread paste onto teeth and let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing clean. Repeat 1-2 times per week.
4. Fresh Parsley
Chewing fresh parsley can help freshen breath while naturally whitening teeth over time.
How it works:
Parsley contains apigenin, a compound shown to fight plaque and bacteria in the mouth. It also has malic acid to remove surface stains on teeth.
How to use:
Chew a sprig of fresh parsley for 1-2 minutes. The fibrous nature of parsley helps scrub away buildup as you chew. Do this a few times a week.
5. Green Tea
Sipping unsweetened green tea offers a safe source of antioxidants to help whiten teeth.
How it works:
Catechins and polyphenols found in green tea inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for tooth decay, while also blocking new stains. It also contains natural peroxides that may lift existing stains.
How to use:
Brew a cup of unsweetened green tea, let cool, and swish in mouth for 30 seconds before swallowing. Drink 2-3 cups of green tea per day.
Other Foods and Drinks that Whiten Teeth
In addition to the top drinks listed, other foods and beverages may also help naturally whiten your teeth over time. Here are some additional options to consider:
| Food/Drink | Active Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Minerals | Helps rinse away staining foods and beverages while hydrating mouth |
| Milk | Calcium & phosphate | Strengthens and remineralizes enamel |
| Pineapple | Bromelain enzymes | Breaks down plaque buildup |
| Celery | Fiber | Scrubs away surface stains |
| Carrots | Vitamin A | Fights bacteria in plaque |
Risks of Staining Foods and Drinks
While certain foods and drinks can whiten your teeth, other items are notorious for causing stains that dull and yellow your smile. Here are some of the top staining culprits to avoid:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Cola
- Dark berries
- Tomato sauce
- Soy sauce
- Tobacco
- Hard candies
The tannins, acids, and coloring agents in these foods/drinks can deeply discolor enamel over time. If you regularly consume staining foods, try swishing with water or brushing shortly afterwards to prevent lasting stains. Also limit staining foods to mealtimes instead of snacking throughout the day.
Other Tips for Whitening Teeth
In addition to drinks, here are some other tips for naturally whitening your teeth and avoiding stains:
- Brush teeth twice daily using whitening toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth
- Get regular dental cleanings every 6 months
- Limit staining drinks to mealtimes
- Rinse mouth after consuming staining foods or drinks
- Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow
- Drink through a straw to avoid contact with teeth
When to See a Dentist
Natural whiteners can gradually brighten your smile overtime. However, if you have severe discoloration or staining that doesn’t respond to natural remedies, see your dentist. They can determine if the cause is due to:
- Decay or cavities
- Enamel damage
- Internal tooth trauma
- Root canal treatment
- Excess fluoride or tetracycline exposure
A dentist may recommend professional teeth whitening procedures if stains cannot be remedied through natural whiteners. Procedures like laser teeth whitening or custom fitted trays with carbamide peroxide gels can dramatically brighten your smile in one visit. However, these chemical methods also come with higher risks like tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Always consult a dentist first before undergoing professional whitening treatments.
Conclusion
Enjoying a bright white smile is possible through natural methods like drinking teeth-whitening beverages. Swishing or sipping certain drinks like apple cider vinegar, lemon water, green tea, and strawberries can gradually lift surface stains over time. Just be sure to limit staining beverages like coffee and red wine to avoid reversing progress. Along with natural whiteners, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for a smile that dazzles. Small efforts each day to nourish your teeth can pay off with whiter, healthier-looking results. So grab a refreshing glass of your favorite natural whitener and drink your way to a whiter smile.