What Color Is a Healthy Smile? The Answer Isn’t So Simple
If we asked you what color a healthy smile should be, most of you would probably say “bright, shiny white.” But the truth is a little more complicated.
While everyone’s natural tooth color varies, that doesn’t mean all yellowish teeth are automatically healthy. If the yellowing comes from poor oral hygiene, smoking, drinking coffee or tea, plaque buildup, or certain medications, it could mean your natural enamel has been damaged—leading to a more yellow appearance.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to naturally brighten your smile. Here are 10 natural methods—though we’ll focus on five key ones below.
1. Pineapple and Orange
Believe it or not, certain fruits can help whiten your teeth. Many fruits and vegetables contain organic acids that help preserve your teeth’s natural color, but some can actually lighten it. Pineapples and oranges, for example, contain an enzyme called bromelain, which studies have shown may help whiten teeth.
2. Turmeric
This might sound strange—turmeric is famous for staining everything it touches, from your fingers to your cutting board. But despite being used as a natural dye, turmeric can actually help whiten your teeth. In traditional medicine, it’s been used to fight gum disease and oral bacteria. Many people also swear by its whitening effects. Simply dip a damp toothbrush into about 1/8 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder, brush it onto your teeth, leave it for three minutes, rinse thoroughly, then brush as usual. The change won’t be dramatic, but it can make a difference.
