We all know that there are foods that can darken your teeth and ruin your smile. These include coffee, red wine, and soda. But did you know that there are foods that will actually make teeth whiter? These include the following:
Strawberries
While it may seem counter-intuitive considering how red they are, strawberries can make your teeth whiter. This is because they contain an astringent called malic acid that can remove teeth discoloration. In addition to eating them, you can also mash them up and apply them to your teeth with either your fingers or a toothbrush.
Nuts and Seeds
If you enjoy eating nuts and seeds, you are in luck. They, too, can help whiten your teeth. They are able to this because of their abrasive texture, which can scrub surface stains off your teeth.
Onions
While onions are not so great for your breath, they are great for your teeth. This is because they contain various sulfur compounds that prevent plaque. Though, to get the full benefit of these compounds, you must eat the onions raw. As an added benefit, because of what onions do to your breath, you will be far more likely to brush your teeth after eating them.
Apples, Celery, and Carrots
Everyone has heard the expression: “An apple a day will keep the doctor away.” But they will also keep the teeth stains away, too. This happens because eating an apple causes your mouth to increase saliva production, which in turn removes bacteria that can discolor your teeth. Eating celery and carrots will do likewise.
Broccoli
Broccoli whitens your teeth because of the fact that it is both coarse and has lots of fiber. These features of the vegetable will help scrub stains off your teeth. Adding them to meals is like adding an additional teeth brushing.
Cheese (Especially Hard Cheese)
Cheese provides many benefits to your teeth. First, it has lactic acid and lots of calcium, which can help strengthen your teeth. It also has casein, which is a protein that can help protect tooth enamel. Finally, hard cheese can further whiten your teeth by removing food particles from them.
Pears and Oranges
Both pears and oranges can help whiten your teeth. This is because they both can neutralize acids commonly found in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay.
Yogurt
Like cheese, yogurt has lactic acid and calcium to strengthen your teeth. Some researchers also believe that yogurt has proteins that attach to your teeth and protect them from acid.
Keep in mind that while the above foods will help make teeth whiter, they are not as effective as the professional teeth whitening products available at your local dentist. If you live in the Ogden area, contact North View Dental to learn all about your options and schedule an appointment with their friendly staff in their comfortable and professional office.