We are all familiar with foods that are bad for our teeth, such as hard candy and sugary soda. We are also aware that consuming red wine or coffee can stain the teeth. But what about building a whiter smile? Are there foods that actually whiten your teeth rather than wear them down? As it turns out, there are quite a few options! Add some or all of the foods on the following list to your diet to help scrub off those stains and leave you with a bright, dazzling smile.
Apple
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” could also be changed to “An apple a day keeps the dentist away”. Indeed, apples are known to whiten teeth. They accomplish this through their high concentration of malic acid, which acts as a saliva stimulant. Constant saliva circulation is beneficial to your dental health, as it rinses the teeth and cleans stains, which promotes a whiter smile.
Cheese
Ever wonder why we constantly shout “say cheese” to smile at a camera? Interestingly enough, cheese helps promote a prettier smile. Cheese contains teeth-building minerals like phosphorus and calcium that help teeth enamel resist bacteria growth. Cheese also won’t stain your teeth, due to the lack of color found in most varieties.
Pineapples
This tropical fruit is something special. Why? Pineapple is the only food that naturally contains bromelain, a substance that reduces your body’s (and gums) inflammatory levels, as well as having a role in stimulating saliva production. Additionally, bromelain is used in stain-removing toothpastes.
Broccoli
Much can be said about this particular vegetable. In addition to being a superior food choice for your general health, broccoli carries many attributes that benefit your dental health and promote a whiter smile. You should eat broccoli for three reasons: one, the surface of crisp and raw broccoli acts as a natural toothbrush for your teeth, scrubbing off plaque in the middle of your meal. Two, broccoli contains fiber, and a diet with plenty of fiber reduces the inflammatory levels in your body and mouth. Three, broccoli is packed with iron, which acts as a shield against bacteria and its teeth-decaying acid. Now you know why your mother always told you to eat your broccoli!
Strawberries
Strawberries, like apples, contain malic acid, which stimulates saliva and therefore a cleaning and rinsing of your teeth. In addition to being delicious by itself or with other foods, strawberries contain antioxidants that strengthen your teeth against bacteria. Some people enjoy this super fruit so much that they created a homemade whitening treatment toothpaste of strawberry pulp and baking soda.
Want to know more about how you can whiten and strengthen your teeth? We at Greenspoint Dental would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Contact our Houston offices today!