Imagine opening a wicker basket filled with crunchy mixed nuts, sharp cheeses, and tangy citrus fruits. No, it's not just a delightfully healthy picnic spread. It's actually everyday foods that may make your teeth whiter.

Here's some food for thought — you know the food you eat can affect the color of your teeth, but did you know it can make them whiter? It's true. You could go down the oral health aisle and grab a teeth whitener off the shelf. Or you can update your grocery list by adding foods that make your teeth whiter and you happier. Chances are, most of the items are already in your fridge or pantry. Give the below a taste to see for sure.

First things first — prevention. This means before you start adding foods that make your teeth whiter, you should be eliminating some food and drink stain-causing culprits. By keeping them on your menu, you're allowing them to slowly discolor your teeth over time.

To stop your teeth from staining, try eliminating:

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Berries
• Pasta sauce
• Curries

You may not know it, but the saliva in your mouth is your own personal teeth whitener. It naturally washes away food debris that can stain your teeth. Try tart foods like:

• Grapefruits
• Lemons
• Limes
• Oranges
• Green apples

They can boost your saliva production into overdrive to help keep those choppers squeaky clean. However, enjoy these tangy treats in moderation; while these foods make your teeth whiter, they’re also very acidic, which can leave your teeth vulnerable to stains and sensitivity over time.

Some say that cheese makes everything better. Well, they may not be wrong. The benefits of cheese and yogurt are plentiful and, of course, flavorful. Dairy has the ability to:

• Strengthen teeth and bones with calcium.
• Decrease tooth decay and staining by increasing the pH level in your mouth.
• Overpower the harmful bacteria with the good probiotic bacteria found in yogurt.
• Assist in scrubbing away food and stains with hard cheeses like parmesan, romano, and gouda.

Crunchy foods are great for scrubbing your teeth clean as you chew, stimulating saliva production, and protecting against decay. Think:

• Apples (again!)
• Celery
• Carrots
• Nuts

According to ResearchGate, bromelain, an abundant protein found in pineapple, aids in removing surface stains and plaque. It's also been known to decrease inflammation from sores gums. Now there’s a food to pine for.

Sure, you can opt for an over-the-counter teeth whitener. And it’ll help. But proper oral hygiene combined with these simple diet and menu tweaks will make that bright smile of yours really pop. Just remember — reach for tasty, nutritious foods that make your teeth whiter, and your smile will thank you!