Wouldn’t it be great to do something we all enjoy — and improve our appearance doing it? Guess what? You can! Read on to discover how eating certain foods can actually whiten your teeth.
1. Apples and Strawberries
Apples and strawberries are sweet treats that also brighten your smile. That is because these two fruits contain high levels of malic acid, the same ingredient found in many toothpastes. Moreover, an apple’s crunchy properties help scrub away debris, while the enzymes found in strawberries counteract yellow coffee stains.
2. Cheese
Dairy products, especially milk, yogurt, and cheese, also strengthen teeth and brighten smiles. This is because dairy contains mineral calcium, which whitens and fortifies teeth. Harder cheeses are especially beneficial for smiles, because chewing on cheese prompts saliva production, helping wash away food particles that would otherwise stick around and stain teeth.
3. Pineapple
Not only is pineapple delicious, but it also can whiten your teeth. Pineapple is one of the only foods which contain the compound bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme used as an active agent in teeth-whitening toothpaste. It is comparable to peroxide whitening typically found in whitening treatments.
4. Celery
Celery, a healthy snack, is a friend to both waistlines and smiles. Consisting of fibrous cellulose, celery reduces tooth stains while acting as a tasty toothbrush. Additionally, celery’s dense water content encourages saliva production. Without saliva, the mouth is like a stagnant pond. So foods that invigorate saliva production keep the oral ecosystem healthy and clean.
5. Water
Though not technically a food, water also helps prevent tooth stains. By making a habit of sipping on water, you can counteract the discoloration caused by pigment-rich food and drink. Moreover, water reduces the mouth’s acidity, which in turn reduces the opportunity for acid to damage the enamel on your tooth surfaces.
There are just some of the many foods that help keep your pearly whites white. Have questions? Give North Raleigh Periodontics a call at (919) 518-8222.
For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below: