Can Strawberries Help Whiten Your Teeth?

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

While many believe that strawberries can help to whiten teeth, there are also many who believe that they are likely to make it worse due to their own pigmentation as well as the sugar and acid that is natural for strawberries. The results of using strawberries for whitening teeth is in between these two options.

Citric acid and teeth whitening

Strawberries do have citric acid, which when applied to the teeth may help them appear whiter as it removes the residue and eats through any build- up. However, the same acid also demineralizes teeth and can speed the formation of cavities and enamel erosion. As the enamel is weakened there is often increased staining.

When enamel faces erosion, it becomes weaker and less dense. This allows for more particles to get into the enamel and remain trapped in small crevices or weakened points.

As this builds up, the weakened enamel absorbs the colors and pigments from the foods, especially from those with strong coloring or that contain acid as well. Foods such as wine, coffee, and chocolate are more likely to stain the teeth when there has been an acidic food on the teeth.

Baking soda and teeth whitening

Baking soda is a well-known method for whitening teeth and is found in many toothpaste formulas. By mixing baking soda with other products there are noted improvements in the health and color of teeth. Mixing them with strawberries that have been mashed has shown a temporary improvement.

However, the residue created from baking soda and strawberries allows the sugar in the strawberries to remain on the teeth. This will increase cavities and allow for bacteria to grow.

A recent study at the University of Iowa used newly extracted teeth to test the results of strawberries and whitening products on the color of the teeth. The strawberry was found to make no lasting difference to the color of the teeth while the teeth with traditional whitening products applied became noticeably whiter.

Natural solutions for teeth whitening

There are many products on the market - over the counter and at a dentist office - that can help to whiten teeth, and they are well tested and approved for use. As people are moving away from added man-made chemicals and looking for more natural solutions to everyday problems, there is the same attempt to find more natural ways to whiten teeth and even attempts to find solutions around the home.

Though many of these other methods may work, there are often increased risks, such as enamel erosion and weakening. Strawberries that have ripened do contain citric acid that has the ability to eat through and remove any residue that has formed on the teeth and make them appear to be whiter, however, that same acid along with the sugar in them also eats away at the enamel of the tooth itself. This is likely to increase the formation of cavities and leave sugar from the strawberries on the teeth.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Nathan Cowley from Pexels