Did You Know? Certain Foods Can Naturally Help Whiten Your Teeth Over Time
Posted by nmcclees
Up to 80% of Am
ericans have said they would like to have whiter teeth. Rightfully so. A whiter smile is more attractive and can make you feel more confident. At Theriot Family Dental Care, we offer both at-home and in-office teeth whitening options. While professional teeth whitening products are faster and more effective, did you know that certain foods and drinks can also aid in teeth whitening over time?
These foods and drinks, albeit much slower, can naturally brighten your smile. And, since they are nutritious too, why not? Sounds like a win-win to us!
First and foremost, water. You should already be drinking between 8-10 glasses per day for hydration. In addition to hydration, water can help to prevent the formation of stains on your teeth, and it lowers the overall acidity in your mouth which can also help prevent cavities.
Seeds & nuts are great teeth exfoliants that buff away discoloration.
Crunchy, raw, broccoli & cauliflower require a lot of chewing. This is a good thing for your teeth, because chewing produces saliva, which is a natural teeth cleanser. The crunchiness of these veggies also helps to scrub your teeth.
Celery & carrots are fibrous veggies which work in the same way that the above mentioned crunchy veggies work helping to prevent the development of plaque, that stains tend to stick to.
Dairy Products such as cheese, milk & yogurt are rich in calcium and phosphorus. These minerals help to strengthen, repair, and remineralize your teeth which also helps to whiten them.
Have a bit more a sweet tooth? We have you covered with some fresh fruits as well.
Apples contain quite a bit of an enzyme called malic acid, which naturally makes teeth whiter. Additionally, because they are crunchy, (you guessed it), the natural abrasiveness helps to clean your teeth.
Because of their bright red appearance, looks can be deceiving with this one. Strawberries, also contain malic acid, so this sweet treat also acts as an oral astringent.
Pineapples are packed with bromelain, which works as a natural stain remover. Bromelain also helps to break up the sticky bacteria that accumulate on the surface of your teeth.
So, there you have it – plenty of delicious and whitening options for your next snack!
It wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t mention, that while these foods can help to whiten your teeth, you should also watch out for foods that can stain your teeth. Some of the most common foods and beverages that stain teeth are coffee and tea, red wine, soda, and sweets. While moderation is key, and it’s ok to indulge occasionally, you should be sure to brush immediately after consuming teeth staining foods and beverages. At the very least, a big gulp of water can go a long way in helping to prevent stains.
If you would like to reach your teeth whitening goals faster, we have solutions. Visit our web page to learn more about our whitening options.
We’re here to discuss with you anytime!