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 seven 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 (aka 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.
7. Baking Soda
If you ever run out of toothpaste, a good alternative is baking soda. Due to its alkalinity and mild abrasiveness, baking soda helps scrub away plaque from the tooth's surface and eliminate tooth discoloration. Mix baking soda and water to create a paste, and apply it to your toothbrush, like you would with a toothpaste, and brush for two minutes.
Need fast and dramatic teeth whitening results for an upcoming event or post-quarantine vacation? Schedule a teeth whitening consultation with us by calling our office at (925) 705-7093, or by requesting a consultation online.
