7 Foods for a Whiter Smile

<b>Apples</b> Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples work best because they function as an abrasive scrub for your teeth, helping them stay their whitest. (Copyright 2008 Willie B. Thomas)

<b>Cauliflower</b> Cauliflower stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to keep plaque from forming ( )

<b>Carrots</b> This teeth-whitening crunchy snack is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a smart snack choice with many health benefits. Chase emphasizes that brushing and flossing are not always enough to keep your teeth bright.<br> “What you eat and what you do not eat can be a huge factor in how white your teeth are,” Chase said. (AP)

<b>Celery</b> Celery is already popular for being low in calories, but it can also help brighten your pearly whites. “Brightening your appearance by creating a healthy smile is not as daunting a task as people think,” Chase said.

<b>Oranges</b> By rubbing an orange peel over your teeth, followed by washing out your mouth with water will get you noticeably whiter teeth after a few months, according to Chase.

<b>Strawberries</b> Strawberries are also great for polishing your teeth. As an added bonus, they have been shown to help freshen breath.

<b>Dairy</b> Dairy products such as yogurt, milk and cheese contain a lactic acid which may help protect teeth against decay. Chase said hard cheeses are best for whitening since they also help remove food particles (iStock)