Natural Way To White Teeth

by **ANJANI TETLI** Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:10 am

White
teeth and strawberries may not sound like they go hand in hand, but it
turns out the berries can actually lighten your smile.

The
secret to this inexpensive home whitening method is malic acid, which
acts as an astringent to remove surface discoloration. Combined with
baking soda, strawberries become a natural tooth-cleanser, buffing away
stains from coffee, red wine, and dark sodas. While it’s no replacement
for a bleaching treatment at your dentist’s office, “this is a fast,
cheap way to brighten your smile,” says Adina Carrel, DMD, a dentist in
private practice at Manhattan Dental Arts in New York. “Be careful not
to use this too often, though, as the acid could damage the enamel on
your teeth.”

You need:
1 ripe strawberry
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:
Crush the strawberry to a pulp, then mix with the baking powder until
blended. Use a soft toothbrush to spread the mixture onto your teeth.
Leave on for 5 minutes, then brush thoroughly with toothpaste to remove
the berry–baking powder mix. Rinse. (A little floss will help get rid
of any strawberry seeds.) you can apply once a week.

Natural Way To White Teeth 21_a