Eat Your Way to a Brighter Smile: 7 Natural Teeth-Whitening Foods
Brushing and flossing daily, along with regular biannual dental checkups, go a long way toward maintaining a healthy, bright smile. So can a professional-grade whitening treatment from a Cincinnati dentist. However, consuming excessive amounts of the wrong foods and beverages can leave your teeth looking stained and undermine what dental work you have done.
In contrast, did you know that certain foods can help naturally whiten your teeth? Although these foods aren’t a substitute for professional cleanings and whitening treatments, they can support your healthy smile between dental visits. Here are seven teeth-whitening foods you might keep in stock:
1. Apples
Dental well-being can start with an apple as a daily snack. Crunching on this fruit can keep your dentist at bay, not just your doctor. Apples naturally scrub and clean your teeth while you eat them. They also have high levels of malic acid, which is also found in some toothpastes. This acid promotes saliva production, which helps remove stains.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli has more whitening power when eaten raw rather than cooked. The crunchy florets act like a toothbrush, scrubbing away at your teeth. Also, the fiber in broccoli provides your teeth with a protective coating against stains, harmful bacteria, and acid erosion.
3. Cheese
Calcium is essential for healthy teeth and bones, and cheese has plenty of it. It’s also rich in protein and phosphorus, which boost stain-fighting acids and remineralize your teeth.
4. Nuts and Seeds
If you like munching on sunflower seeds, cashews, and other nuts, you’re already whitening your teeth naturally. Nuts and seeds have an abrasive effect that strips strains from the enamel. They also buff the teeth, giving them a whiter appearance. Looking for another calcium source for added tooth and bone strength? Again, nuts and seeds do the job. Also, try walnuts, sesame seeds, and almonds.
5. Oranges
You’ve probably been advised to use caution when it comes to citrus fruits like oranges. However, the peel doesn’t have the acidic content that the central part is known for. Additionally, the peel is rich in vitamin C, offering a less harsh alternative to traditional teeth whiteners. How to use the peel to brighten your smile? After thoroughly washing the peel, rub the inner part across the surface of your teeth.
6. Pineapples
Pineapples contain bromelain, a stain-removing enzyme. Bromelain naturally breaks up plaque, which has acids that erode tooth enamel. If you enjoy pineapple, feel free to incorporate it into your healthy diet.
7. Strawberries
Although you’ve probably been told that dark red foods can stain your teeth, don’t let that be the reason to shy away from strawberries. Like apples, these delicious berries contain malic acid, which is beneficial for stimulating saliva production, a critical factor in fighting stains.
As you increase your consumption of healthy, tooth-brightening foods, don’t forget to minimize your intake of products that stain or discolor your teeth. These include
- Coffee
- Red and white wine
- Dark sauces and dressings like soy sauce and balsamic vinegar
- Soda, regular and sugar-free
- Sweets
You don’t have to avoid these foods altogether. The key is moderation, as well as rinsing and brushing after consuming them.
Whitening and Other Dental Services Close to Home
Eating these seven foods isn’t the only thing you need to do to keep your teeth looking their brightest. However, they can support your efforts to maintain a white smile. For an added enhancement to your appearance, consider a whitening treatment from Beckham Square Family Dental. You can also rely on us for top-notch, gentle care during regular checkups, professional cleanings, and any necessary corrective work, such as restorative repairs for chipped or cracked teeth.