BY SANDRA GUY

Just in time to flash your brightest smile in COVID-safe environments — and to recognize October as National Dental Hygiene Month — it’s time to start whitening your teeth the natural way.

First, no need to scold yourself for needing teeth-whitening resolutions.

Sometimes teeth just look yellow because the hard enamel has eroded, revealing the dentin underneath. Dentin is a naturally yellow, bony tissue that lies underneath the enamel.

But it wouldn’t hurt to remind yourself that soda, coffee, red wine and dark berries are infamous for staining teeth.

On the other hand, calcium-rich foods, such as yogurt, sardines and broccoli may help protect your teeth from enamel erosion.

That doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid them, but you should limit the amount of time your teeth absorb them.

A diet high in sugar is problematic, too, since it can cause plaque and gingivitis. So try to brush your teeth soon after eating sugary foods.

For a natural way to keep your teeth looking their best — besides flossing, brushing and regular dental checkups — you can use turmeric powder and baking soda.

Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial herb, but it’s also believed to help keep teeth white in its pure powder form. If turmeric tastes a bit too tangy, add a drop of spearmint or peppermint extract.

Just as you can do with baking soda, keep a bit of it in a sandwich or snack bag or a container next to your toothpaste, and pour out a bit onto your toothbrush. Brush as usual but leave the turmeric powder on your gums and teeth for at least five minutes.

Then rinse thoroughly with water and brush your teeth as you normally would.

You can also make your own turmeric toothpaste by mixing the powder with cononut oil.

Finally, you can buy toothpaste made with turmeric and curcumin, though you might want to check the amount of turmeric actually in it.