The state of your oral health is a good indicator of your general health. Your diet plays a significant role in your gums and teeth health. White teeth usually mean you have good dental habits. However, drinking tea, coffee, wine, and smoking tobacco can cause your teeth to become stained.
You can do a few things to help whiten your teeth, but one of the best ways is by incorporating certain foods into your diet. This blog post explores some of the best options for teeth whitening. Read on to learn more and start working towards a brighter smile today.
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are effective at teeth whitening due to the malic acid they contain. This acid also benefits those with dry mouths as it increases saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food stains and protects teeth against decay. You can eat strawberries whole or add them to smoothies and yogurts.
2. Watermelon
Watermelons are a great natural solution for keeping your teeth clean and healthy! The high concentration of malic acid helps produce saliva, which aids in cleaning your teeth. Watermelons’ crunchy, fibrous texture also helps scrub and clean your teeth, removing any food debris that could cause stains.
3. Apples
Eating an apple daily can help keep you healthy and may even help prevent you from needing to see the doctor or dentist. Apples are crunchy, which can help to clean your teeth as you eat them. They are also rich in malic acid found in many kinds of toothpaste. This acid helps to remove stains and prevents tooth decay.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple can help remove these stains and discoloration by breaking down the pellicle and bacteria clinging to it. This process is known as chelation and is the same process used in teeth whitening treatments. Pineapple is a natural source of an enzyme called bromelain, which is known to break down proteins. When you eat pineapple, the fruit’s bromelain helps break down the pellicle and bacteria on your teeth, leaving them looking brighter and whiter.
5. Cheese
Dairy products like milk and cheese are good for your bones and teeth. They contain lactic acid and calcium, which help your enamel. Plus, saliva production increases when you consume milk and cheese, which helps wash away food stains and harmful bacteria. Casein is a protein found in milk and other dairy products. It helps keep your teeth white by reducing staining and plaque buildup. Casein also binds to tannins in tea and coffee, which reduces the chances of your teeth becoming yellow or discolored.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is a crunchy vegetable that you can consume raw or cooked. When you chew a raw piece of broccoli, the crunchy florets act as a natural toothbrush and clean your teeth. The vegetable is also rich in iron, which helps strengthen your teeth’s enamel. Healthy and strong enamel protects your teeth against stains, erosion, and bacteria that cause stains.
Conclusion
Many foods can help to whiten teeth naturally. These include fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, carrots, and celery. Some foods are believed to help, such as yogurt and cheese. However, more research is needed to confirm these claims.
Galleria Dental of Alexandria is a full-service dental office serving Alexandria, VA, that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We provide cosmetic dentistry like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers, and emergency dental care services like bonding, root canals, crowns, and bridges. If you’re looking for a clinic offering cosmetic dentistry in Alexandria, VA, look no further! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!