12 Foods That Brighten Your Teeth

We’ve all heard that we’re supposed to stay away from foods like coffee and red wine if we’re going for that pearly white look, but did you know that there are actually foods that can help brighten your teeth? Here’s 12 that you can find right at your local farmer’s market or grocery store!

Strawberries

Though they are red, strawberries do the opposite of stain your teeth! They contain malic acid that naturally removes tooth surface stains. They’re also a great source of Vitamin C, which is an anti-inflammatory that prevents gum disease.

Seeds and Nuts

Crunchy foods work as a natural plaque remover! As they crunch on your teeth they help brush off plaque and tooth stains, giving you a sparkly smile. The added benefit is that they taste great, and are packed with all kinds of proteins and healthy fats, so they’re good for you too!

Apples

Since apples are full of water and malic acid, both things that increase saliva, they help break up and disperse bacteria colonies that cause plaque and bad breath. Add that to the fact that their satisfying crunch also acts as natural toothbrush, and these are a tooth-whitening snack that anyone can get behind!

Baking Soda

While this one isn’t necessarily something you eat, it is a natural and safe tooth-whitener. Baking soda is actually in a lot of whitening toothpastes, because it’s a base like bleach, only much safer. The “soda” part of baking soda is a form of salt, which works as a mild abrasive to scrub off plaque and stains.

Celery and Carrots

Remember how we said all of the water in apples was great for whitening your teeth? Same goes for celery and carrots. These water-filled veggies stimulate saliva in your mouth, strengthening your gums and washing away any leftover food particles.

Broccoli

Crisp, raw broccoli is another veggie that works as a natural brush to polish off plaque and stains. It also has a lot of iron and fiber, which work to protect your teeth from cavities, and reduce inflammation.

Cheese

We all know calcium builds strong bones, and cheese contains a ton of calcium, most especially hard cheeses like Gouda. Not only does that calcium go to help your teeth, but it strengthens your gums too. And since cheese is relatively colorless, it doesn’t cause any stains.

Oranges

Oranges, eaten in moderation, can brighten your teeth a lot! It is important not to overeat them, because the citric acid in oranges can also wear down the enamel on your teeth. But if you eat them once in awhile, you’ll get the benefits of whiter teeth and all kinds of Vitamin C.

Flat Water

One of the best things for your overall health, as well as your dental health, is plain old water. When you drink lots of water, your mouth stays hydrated, and all that water works to swish away stains from darker foods. It’s important to note that we’re talking about regular, flat water here. While sparkling water is just as good for overall hydration, drinking too much of it can actually hurt your teeth by eroding the enamel.

Pears

Pears are another juicy treat that work to flush out bad bacterias from your mouth. They increase saliva production, which washes away food debris and neutralizes any bad-breath odors from bacteria colonies.

Milk and Yogurt

Just like cheese, milk and yogurt contain a lot of calcium, which works to strengthen the enamel on your teeth. Milk and yogurt also contain another secret ingredient, lactic acid, which acts as a protective agent against tooth decay.

Pineapple

Have you ever eaten too much pineapple and made your mouth hurt? Well that enzyme that causes the pain when you eat too much can also save your teeth! It’s called bromelain, and it’s only found naturally in pineapple. The enzyme itself breaks down stains on the surface of your teeth, without any harsh abrasive properties. It’s so effective, in fact, that it’s used in some of the most effective whitening toothpastes! You don’t have to eat so much that your mouth feels like sandpaper, but just a little bit can help whiten your teeth.

Does it seem like your teeth might be past the point of just eating the right foods? Call the office at Mogren Dental today! We can get you scheduled for a regular cleaning, and get your teeth right back to where you want them. Just call our office at 231-737-5500, or schedule your own appointment online!