Beauty Tips

The Benefits of a Brighter Smile

Experts reveal why a stunning smile is your greatest accessory and how to get pearly whites in the comfort of your own home

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Get the Look: Go Grocery Shopping It's easy to whiten teeth in minutes with at-home products, and you can maintain that bright smile by stocking your kitchen with the right ingredients. "Nutrition is critical," says Levine. "Eat healthy, green, leafy vegetables and fruits that raise the pH of the mouth, allowing good types of bacteria to thrive." Also look for crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots, which naturally remove surface stains. Here are the top items Lowenberg recommends adding to your grocery list:

Kale: The consistency is so dense and rough that it cleans your teeth as you are eating it, removing surface stains.

Cheese: One of the best and easiest ways to combat acid erosion in your teeth is to eat a piece of cheese after every meal. Cheese is rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus, all of which can help buffer the acids in your mouth. Cheddar is best, since it contains the highest levels of alkali; soft cheeses like brie or feta won't have much of an effect.

Strawberries Strawberries are a great, natural way to whiten teeth. You can just eat them or brush your teeth with a paste of strawberries and baking soda. Be sure to thoroughly clean teeth afterward to prevent tooth decay.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with baking soda to make a natural toothpaste, or gargle with it daily before brushing to help remove surface stains.

Oranges: Buff teeth with the inside of the peel or combine ground bay leaves and dried orange peel to create a toothpaste that leaves a brilliant shine.

Bananas: Next time you're about to throw out a banana peel, rub it on your teeth for two minutes. After 15 minutes, brush your teeth with your regular toothpaste. Repeat this process two to three times a week.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Get the Look: DIY Your Dream Smile

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