There are plenty of foods and beverages that you may enjoy that will ruin your teeth in terms of staining. For foods, this includes tomato sauce and beets to soy sauce and curry. For beverages, this includes everything from soda and tea to coffee and red wine. However, there are some fruits that you may like that actually contain whitening products. While they shouldn't be used as substitutes to professional whitening or regular brushing and flossing, these popular summer fruits are an all-natural, cheap and safe way to whiten your teeth.

1. Strawberries

One of the best fruits to eat in the summer is a strawberry, but you have to be careful not to let it stain your clothes. Luckily, you don't have to worry about strawberries staining your teeth. In fact, they'll help you do the opposite. Strawberries contain malic acid, a special enzyme that works to naturally whiten the teeth. You can eat a strawberry straight up, mash it up to rub on your teeth or mixed mashed strawberries with baking soda to create your own toothpaste. Any way you do it, you'll reap the whitening benefits.

2. Apples

Like strawberries, apples contain malic acid, but there's more to apples than just that. Apples are incredibly juicy and hold a higher water content, according to WebMD. They also require a lot of chewing, which can help stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth while also diluting the effect of the sugar that the fruit holds. The more saliva that is present in the mouth, the more likely bacteria and acid that is left in the mouth from other foods and beverages (like citrus and wine) can be neutralized. In doing so, stains are essentially "washed" away.

3. Pineapples

Another popular fruit, pineapples can also help whiten your teeth naturally. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples. According to a study that involved the use of a dentifrice containing bromelain extract, bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, can significantly remove stains from your teeth. It works to reduce the build-up of plaque, which helps to whiten and brighten your smile while also working to reduce your overall risk of gum disease.  

With these foods, and especially after a professional tooth whitening session or two (from a local professional, such as one from Willowdaile Family Dentistry), you won't want to stop smiling and showing everyone your beautiful smile. Stock up on these fruits and schedule an appointment with your dentist today to get that sparkly white smile that you deserve to show off to everyone this summer.