Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want whiter teeth? If the assortment of whitening toothpastes, strips, and trays available at most stores is any indication, the answer is a lot of us. But did you know you could get whiter teeth just by eating? (And no, this isn’t a joke.) While we hear a lot about the foods and drinks that will stain our teeth, there are actually foods out there that will brighten it, too. Here’s a few to pick up on your next trip to the supermarket.

1. Broccoli

That’s right. The food you cringed eating as a child (and possibly still now) is great for your teeth. Eating this veggie raw acts as a natural toothbrush given its crispy texture. Not only will it clean your teeth as you chomp, broccoli’s high levels of iron can also coat the enamel and help ward off stains, acid erosion, and harmful bacteria.

2. Pineapple

You can thank bromelain for this one. Pineapples are the only food that naturally contains this compound with anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. Bromelain is also an effective ingredient in stain-removing toothpaste, according to a study by the International Journal of Dental Hygiene.

3. Cheese

Smile and say “cheese” because this food’s minerals — such as calcium and phosphorus — will keep your teeth strong. Its protein will also protect your enamel, and its lactic acid will fight tooth decay.

4. Strawberries

Your instinct may be to think that red equals stains. Not in the case. Strawberries’ malic acid actually acts as a natural astringent to remove surface stains.

5. Celery

Celery can act as a natural stain remover by increasing saliva production, which is a self-cleaning agent. It also kills bacteria that causes bad breath. Plus, celery’s crunch factor works to scrub your teeth clean much like broccoli does.

So load up your cart with these fantastic foods. And if they don’t quite do the trick to get your smile sparkling at its best, contact Dental Concepts to schedule a safe and effective professional whitening treatment.