Certain foods can make your teeth sparkle

Get a Hollywood smile with the help of dark chocolate and strawberries.

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White teeth are something most of us lust after. But how can you get that Hollywood smile without shelling out on expensive treatments or using abrasive bleach? Dr Harold Katz has tips how certain foods could help you get there.

Anyone with a sweet (not-so-white) tooth - it will be music to your ears that dark chocolate could be the answer. Dr Katz told MailOnline that the treat contains theobromine, which helps to harden enamel. A tougher outer layer means teeth are more protected from staining.

Try working dark chocolate in where you would normally have the milk version or an alternative sweet treat. And just to be clear - milk and white chocolate unfortunately don't have the same whitening effect.
Green tea has long been hailed by health fanatics as a great way to stay happy and hydrated. And the tannins in the drink could also keep teeth from staining, as they help discourage bacteria from sticking to them. Polyphenols are also present, and fight oral acid and bacteria.

Many of us are used to having a coffee or a breakfast tea in the morning, both of which are known to stain teeth. Instead, try working in a mug of green tea. It contains some caffeine, meaning you'll still get that boost you need to start the day right.

Strawberries are in season right now, which is great news, as they have so many health benefits. One of these is the malic acid, which helps clean stains on your teeth. You could also mash them with baking soda says MailOnline, and use them as a natural whitening product.

If you're keen to get your five a day, make sure to include strawberries. Eat them as they are or with low fat yoghurt, for a healthy summer snack.

Most of us see cheese as a guilty pleasure, but it could actually help you in your quest to whiter teeth. The naughty snack raises the pH level in the mouth, making it less acidic and preventing discoloration and tooth erosion. Calcium also helps strengthen your teeth.

Just make sure not to go overboard on cheese, as it's usually high in fat and calories.

Nuts, seeds and fruit are all recommended snacks - and they could do more than just keep you away from the biscuit tin. Grazing on abrasive foods such as nuts, seeds, apples and pears helps scrub plaque away and anything that might stain your teeth. The high water content of the fruits also stimulates saliva production, which is great for reducing bacteria.

Put slices of apple and pear and handfuls of nuts and seeds in little tubs that are easy to grab. Then take them to work or reach for them during a movie night and enjoy!


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