The best way to get whiter teeth is through good oral hygiene, periodic dental cleanings, and professional teeth whitening. But did you know certain food can also assist in whitening your teeth?
Here is a list of six food and drinks that should be part of your diet for a happy and healthy mouth.
1. Strawberries: Strawberries have a high malic acid concentration often found in certain kinds of toothpaste. Malic acid works like a natural astringent and helps remove tooth surface discoloration. It is important to note that citric acid is also found in strawberries and weakens the enamel. Thus, you should wait at least 30 minutes after consuming strawberries and other acidic food to brush your teeth.
2. Apples, Celery and Carrots: Crunchy fruit and vegetables, like apples, celery, and carrots, can scrub away plaque and bacteria, stimulate saliva production, and provide good sources of vitamins and minerals that strengthen your teeth.
3. Leafy Greens: Leafy greens, like spinach, romaine lettuce, and kale contain folic acid (B9 vitamin), which is necessary for cell growth and repair, and can help reduce inflammation in the gums and make teeth more resilient to plaque and bacteria.
4. Cheese: When your enamel erodes due to acidic and sugary food, dry mouth, and other factors, the dentin underneath may become exposed, causing your teeth to appear more yellow. Cheese contains calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel and bones. Cheese also contains casein, a type of protein, which plays an important role in repairing tooth enamel. Furthermore, chewing (cheese) increases the production of saliva, which helps displace bacteria in the mouth and keep the mouth clean. Opt for aged, soft-ripened, and blue cheeses and avoid processed cheeses (e.g. American and nacho cheese).
5. Sugar-free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum between meals and snacks stimulates saliva production and helps to neutralize and rinse away acids that form in your mouth when food breaks down. This helps protect your teeth, promote good oral health, and keep your teeth clean.
6. Water: Saliva, which consists of about 99% water, is an integral part of your dental health. Water displaces sugary drinks that damage tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. In addition, water consists of proteins and minerals (e.g. fluoride) that protect tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Swish some water in your mouth after you eat or drink pigment-rich foods or fluids to maintain a brighter, whiter smile.
