Social Media Claims Strawberries Can Whiten Teeth, But What Does Science Say?

From Pinterest beauty hacks to Social Media Reels, strawberries are being mashed and smeared over teeth.

The hope? A whiter smile. Instant brightness. That too without a trip to the dentist.

Why People Think Strawberries Whiten Teeth

The logic is simple. The trend is based on the fact that strawberries contain malic acid, a natural astringent that can help lift surface stains caused by coffee, tea or wine.

This 'scientific discovery' has turned strawberries into a popular teeth-whitening hack, and it keeps going viral on social media time and again.

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But does it actually work? We looked into the science.

What Science Says

Research shows that while strawberries may remove some superficial stains, they can't change the natural colour of teeth. Believe it not, several studies have examined strawberries' teeth whitening potential with mixed results.

A 2023 study published in PubMed found statistically significant differences with strawberry treatment compared to control groups, though the effect was less pronounced than commercial whitening products.

Research from 2022 concluded that strawberry extract "can provide a whitening effect on teeth that have changed color," with 100% concentration strawberry extract showing results within 2-4 days.

However, a University of Iowa study specifically showed that strawberries have no effect on teeth whitening, directly contradicting popular claims. Another study examining strawberry extract on tooth specimens found "no significant morphological changes between the tooth immersed in strawberry extract and distilled water"

In fact, experts warn strongly against using this hack.

The Risks

• Strawberries are acidic. Acid can soften and wear away enamel, the protective layer on your teeth.
• Once enamel thins, the yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible, making teeth look less white in the long run.
• They also contain natural sugars, which can feed bacteria in the mouth and raise the risk of cavities if not cleaned away quickly.

But if you still want to try, remember to:

• Keep it occasional, not part of a regular routine
• Rinse thoroughly afterwards to remove acid and sugar
• Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid scrubbing softened enamel

Better Ways To Whiten Teeth Safely

• Limit stain-causing food and drinks like coffee, tea and wine
• Maintain regular brushing and flossing
• Use dentist-approved whitening toothpaste or strips
• Consider professional treatments like bleaching trays or in-clinic whitening

Bottomline

Strawberries might give you a quick brightness boost, but it's temporary. Over time, frequent use could harm enamel and make teeth look duller. They're best kept for your fruit bowl rather than your dental routine.