We all want beautiful, bright white smiles, but we’re not all prepared for dental whitening procedures, infuriatingly flimsy drugstore tooth whitening strips, or to brush our teeth with baking soda every night. Luckily, there are some simple and healthy changes that you can make to your diet to promote dental health and whiten your teeth. Here are seven types of food you can integrate into your diet to help keep your teeth white:
1. Strawberries
Though strawberries might seem like they’d stain your teeth, after all, berries are known for staining your fingers (and clothes, and tablecloths), they’re actually a whitener. Strawberries contain malic acid, which removes discoloration.
2. Apples
There’s a reason they’re called “Nature’s toothbrush”; apples are crunchy and have a high water content, both of which cause increased saliva production when eating, and the increased saliva cleans teeth. Foods like carrots and celery have a similar effect.
3. Seeds and nuts
Nuts and seeds are crunchy and abrasive, and they work as a kind of exfoliant for your teeth, rubbing away plaque buildup.
4. Dairy products
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese can be excellent teeth-whiteners. They contain lactic acid, which breaks down plaque; calcium, which strengthens enamel; and casein, a protein which reduces mineral loss in tooth enamel.
5. Raw onions
Raw onions contain sulfur compounds (which are lost after cooking) that discourage the formation of plaque. As an added bonus, the strong, unpleasant scent and aftertaste of onions will likely encourage you to brush your teeth after eating them.
6. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables (i.e., broccoli and cauliflower) have some of the same tooth whitening benefits as crunchy ones, as they require a lot of chewing, and therefore increase saliva production. Their texture also works to scrub and clean teeth, helping keep them cleaner and whiter.
7. Oranges
While you may have been warned against citrus fruits because of their enamel-eating acids, oranges can actually do wonders for whitening your teeth. They can neutralize certain acids within the mouth that contribute to tooth decay. Pears also share this whitening quality.
Our smiles are so important as an expression of happiness and joy, and we should be able to be happy with ours. Good dental hygiene, regular dental checkups, and incorporating some of these tooth-whitening foods into your diet can help keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Want to improve your smile even more? Set up an appointment with Mogren Dental today.
