Teeth whitening is the No. 1 requested cosmetic service, and its popularity continues to soar, according to a 2011 survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Typically, we pay cosmetic dentists $200 to $500 for at-home tooth whitening and $500 to $1,000 for in-office procedures.
Outside the dentist's office, it's every bit as popular. Americans spend billions every year on over-the-counter teeth-whitening products.
But there's an easier, cheaper and natural approach: the right diet.
'Toothbrush foods' to eat
Apples, fresh green beans, cauliflower, carrots, celery and other crunchy fruits and vegetables help whiten by gently scrubbing the teeth. That's why crudits -- sliced, fresh, raw veggies -- are a great snack, says New York City cosmetic dentist Timothy Chase. Bonus: Fibrous fruits and vegetables are low in calories, high in nutrients and massage gums and promote blood flow to help keep gum tissues healthy. They also increase flow of saliva, "the magic fluid" that helps protect oral health.
Strawberries and oranges work to polish teeth. Strawberries also contain an enzyme called malic acid that helps keep teeth whiter, adds Vincent Mayher, a spokesman for the Academy of General Dentistry.
Cheese and other dairy foods, such as yogurt and milk, contain a type of lactic acid that helps prevent decay. Hard cheeses also scrub teeth, Chase says.
Staining foods to avoid
You know the worst stainmakers: tea, coffee, blueberries, red wine, soy sauce, colas. Here are some surprises:
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