Snack Your Way to White Teeth

Snack Your Way to White Teeth

Everyone wants to have a bright smile. Pearly whites can help make a good impression and give you confidence. We all know you are what you eat, so an unhealthy diet full of sugary snacks, black coffee and red wine can negatively affect your teeth and cause teeth staining. On the other hand there are also foods packed with nutrients, which can boost the shine of your teeth. Whitening agents may be effective but they are not suitable for individuals with sensitive teeth or previous restorations. So besides brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily, you can choose foods to promote oral health and teeth whitening.  This is a list of items you can add to your grocery list for healthy and white teeth.

Strawberries

Strawberries contain malic acid which works as an astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration.

Crunchy Veggies 

Fiber-rich and crunchy veggies, like celery, broccoli or carrots stimulate production of saliva which washes away food debris from between teeth to keep the tooth surface clean. Broccoli contains iron that forms an acid-resistant coating on the surface of your teeth to protect the enamel of your teeth from acidic foods and drinks. The crunch of uncooked vegetables has a polishing effect on the teeth as well.

Cheese

Dairy products like low-fat milk, yogurts and cheeses contain calcium to strengthen teeth. But cheese is a white teeth superstar because it also has lactic acid to fight off bad bacteria and tooth decay.  Cheese consumption, particularly cheddar, increases pH levels and increases saliva production, which forms a protective barrier on the tooth enamel.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Half a teaspoon of apple Cider Vinegar diluted in a full cup of water can remove teeth stains, boost oral health and kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. After brushing with ACV, you can brush again with regular toothpaste.

Folic Acid

Foods rich in folic acid, like asparagus, spinach, and fortified cereals are good for your smile as it supports cell growth in the body and improves the health of your teeth.

Flaxseed 

Flaxseed is rich in the anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acid to protect against gum disease.

Raisins

Raisins are sticky and sugary and should be bad for your teeth. But researchers at Chicago’s College of Dentistry found that the dried grapes contain oleanolic acid, which can stop the growth of two types of oral bacteria to prevent cavities, and periodontal disease. Oleanic acid also shields the teeth from build-up of plaque.

Sugarless Gums

Sugarless gums promote saliva production to rinse your mouth clean of debris and also freshens your breath. Gum with xylitol, prevents damage to teeth from decay-forming bacteria and also whitens teeth.

Eating healthy food can help strengthen your teeth and gums but in order to keep your teeth looking good, you need to follow healthy oral habits. You have to keep brushing daily to remove food debris from your mouth and nothing cleans in-between the teeth like floss. Do not leave your mouth prone to decay and gum disease, visit your dentist regularly.

There are professional in-office procedures for teeth whitening, where molds can be made in the dental office for customized whitening trays that can be worn at home for two hours every day for two days following the treatment.

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