Like most people, you probably long for the white teeth you had as a child. While you have a number of options to remove stains, such as whitening toothpastes, whitening strips or dental treatments, you can also whiten teeth in a different way. How? By choosing certain foods that promote whiter teeth.
While you’re probably used to hearing about foods that stain your teeth, such as coffee and wine, some foods actually have the opposite effect. Discover these various healthful foods (along with one pantry staple) that can naturally whiten your teeth.
Strawberries
Though it may be hard to believe about this sweet and juicy treat, strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid that helps whiten teeth. The malic acid in strawberries is so helpful to teeth whitening that many use it as a paste. Want to try it? Mash two or three strawberries, add a pinch of baking soda and rub the paste on your teeth. After five minutes, wash off the paste and brush and floss.
Apples, Celery and Carrots
Your mouth has a natural stain remover. It’s called saliva! These fruits and veggies can increase the amount of saliva in your mouth which, in turn, helps eliminate stains. The increased amount of saliva can also help destroy bacteria and eliminate bad breath. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that apples, celery and carrots are among the healthiest snacks you can eat for whiter teeth.
Yogurt, Milk and Cheese
Dairy fans, it’s time to celebrate. Dairy products such as yogurt, milk and cheese contain lactic acid, which helps fight tooth decay and whiten teeth. Research points to an element in dairy protein that binds teeth together and helps resist bacteria and harmful acids. For the best whitening effects from dairy products, choose a hard cheese, as these also remove lingering food particles.
Oranges and Pineapples
Tart fruits, such as oranges and pineapples, also can encourage increased saliva in your mouth. Saliva, as you now know, can help eliminate stains on your teeth. However, be careful about going heavy on the lemon. Though it certainly qualifies as a tart fruit, lemon can produce too much acidity in your mouth and hurt your teeth.
Baking Soda
Though it may not be something to snack on, this is a common staple probably found in your cabinets and in your refrigerator. It’s also likely in your toothpaste. Baking soda’s wide use has made it popular in nearly every household. Recent studies show that not only does baking soda in toothpaste help in removing plaque, but it also helps whiten teeth. Most people use a commercial paste that contains a mild amount of baking soda. If you’re feeling adventurous, try brushing straight out of the box; however, only do so infrequently, because baking soda is very strong.
However, dental health goes beyond selecting foods to eat for whiter teeth. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key. If you live in the St. Petersburg area and want top-quality dental care for the whole family, turn to Klement Family Dentistry. We offer professional teeth whitening treatments, and with our Whitening for Life program, you receive free whitening solution twice a year. Give us a call today and make an appointment.
