As far as the color of a person’s teeth goes, you really are what you eat. While some factors, such as genetics, environmental influences, and certain illnesses can cause teeth to become stained or discolored, diet plays a large role in the whiteness of your teeth. So, if you would like to naturally brighten your smile, or would simply like to avoid the foods and beverages that may cause your grin to be less-than-dazzling, follow these simple tips:

• You know how some people use lemon juice to help lighten their hair color? Well, it works for teeth too, so put on a sour puss for some gleaming white teeth!
• Strawberries, believe it or not, can also help naturally whiten teeth, and baking soda is an excellent scrub for removing stains and polishing your grin.

Some foods have the opposite effect, and contribute to stains or discolorations on teeth. Foods to avoid if you are concerned about a dingy grin are:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Dark sodas
• Red wine
• Blueberries

If you simply need to drink dark, caffeinated beverages, use a straw—this will keep the staining agents from making contact with your teeth at all, without compromising the buzz.

Of course, regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene are of key importance to the health of your mouth. However, before you invest in an expensive tooth whitening system, try these natural fixes first. You may be surprised at how pearly your whites can be!