Why a dentist cautions against blindly using strawberries to whiten teeth

People swear by several trendy natural remedies to whiten their teeth, including baking soda and lemon. The latest one that caught our attention is strawberries. But can this tart berry really whiten teeth, or is it a myth? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

From a dental perspective, strawberries contain malic acid, a naturally occurring enzyme that may help dissolve surface-level stains from things like coffee, tea, and red wine. “In that sense, they can temporarily improve the appearance of stained teeth by gently removing superficial discoloration,” said Dr Nikita Motwani, specialised in aesthetic dentistry, co-founder, Smile Concepts. (Photo: Freepik)

However, this effect is minimal and does not change the internal shade of your enamel — so it’s far from a true whitening treatment, said Dr Motwani, adding, “so, teeth appear cleaner not necessarily whiter”. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

There are also risks involved. “Strawberries are acidic and contain natural sugars. When applied directly to teeth — especially when combined with baking soda, as some DIY recipes suggest — they can erode your enamel over time,” said Dr Motwani. (Photo: Freepik)

Notably, enamel doesn’t grow back, and once it thins, you may experience sensitivity, yellowing, and increased risk of cavities. “I always caution against using fruit-based whitening remedies at home due to the potential long-term damage,” said Dr Motwani. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

So, anything of this, used very occasionally is still safe, but using it daily for long term is very detrimental to oral health, cautioned Dr Motwani. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

If you’re serious about whitening, the most scientifically-backed methods include professional in-clinic treatments using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels. “These penetrate the tooth structure and safely break down stains from within. Over-the-counter whitening strips and custom trays from your dentist are also effective if used correctly,” said Dr Motwani. (Photo: Freepik)

Limit the use of coloured staining food like turmeric, black coffee, and black tea. For those seeking natural approaches, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, drinking plenty of water, and using whitening toothpaste with gentle abrasives and low fluoride content can help, said Dr Motwani. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples or celery may also assist in plaque removal, though again, their effect on tooth shade is subtle, said Dr Motwani. (Photo: Freepik)