7 Foods and Drinks That Whiten Teeth and Improve Oral Health

Your smile is one of your most noticeable features. Although regular brushing and flossing effectively eradicate plaque and bacteria, keeping your teeth white might not be enough without the proper diet. Most people will look at the appearance of our teeth to judge how well we take care of our bodies. So, if you have stained teeth, many people will assume you don’t practice good hygiene, which can damage your self-esteem. So if you don’t want to frequent a dental office in Seminole for regular teeth whitening, here is what to eat to whiten your teeth naturally:

Strawberries

Fruit color is not the same as a food color. For example, although strawberries are red, they do not cause dental stains like food colors but rather the complete opposite. This is because malic acid, a major component of the strawberry fruit, functions as a natural astringent by removing discolorations on the tooth surface. You can also take your strawberry fruit in various forms, whether with salads or desserts.

Apples, Celery, and Carrots

Apples, celery, and carrots are classified as crunchy fruits with a texture that help scrub away plaque and bacteria on the tooth surface. In addition, regular intake of these food items can stimulate saliva production, which helps keep your mouth clean and reduces the risks of dental cavities. By regularly consuming apples, celery, and carrots, you can live a healthy life and protect your teeth from staining.

Leafy Greens

Kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, and other leafy grains are essential to keeping your teeth white even without professional teeth whitening. This is because they all contain folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, that promotes cell repair and growth. The vitamin is good for cells and teeth and can also be a remedy for people experiencing gum inflammation. So start adding leafy greens to your regular diet, and you will benefit from healthy white teeth.

Cheese

Overconsumption of acidic and sugary food can cause saliva to dry up and your teeth’ enamel to erode. Once the outer enamel shell is damaged, the dentin of the teeth becomes more visible, causing your teeth to look yellowish.

We recommend adding cheese to your food menu as it is rich in calcium and casein. Calcium strengthens the tooth enamel while casein repairs it. In addition, chewing cheese can reduce the risk of getting dental carries by increasing saliva production and reducing oral bacteria.

Dr. Cecilia Sorelle recommends going for older soft cheese and blue cheese over processed alternatives such as nacho and American cheese since it is healthier to consume.

Sugar-Free Gum

Ask any dentist in Seminole about sugar-free gum, and most of the responses you’ll get will be positive.

Research shows that chewing sugar-free gum for approximately 20 minutes daily benefits teeth. That is because chewing the gum after a meal stimulates saliva production and helps eradicate acids from the remains of starchy food. The removal of acids protects your teeth from stains and decay.

Water

Water is abundant and essential. The essential commodity has numerous benefits, and there is no limit on the amount you can consume. Instead of consuming unhealthy processed drinks full of sugar after a meal, why not drink water in stead. You can quickly increase your saliva production by drinking water regularly as saliva production highly relies on water.

Taking water can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It contains proteins and minerals such as fluoride that help protect the tooth enamel from wear. Our dentist in Seminole recommends swishing some water after a meal to get rid of leftover food particles for an attractive white smile.

Baking Soda

Have you ever had to brush your teeth with nothing more than water and a toothbrush simply because you ran out of toothpaste? Next time it happens, use baking soda as a temporary replacement.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive and alkaline, which makes it effective at removing plaque from the tooth surface. To use baking soda, add a small amount to a glass and mix it with water to form a paste. Finally, apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush for at least 2 minutes for white teeth.

Conclusion

Keeping your teeth white is not as difficult as it may seem. Choosing the right food and drinks ensures your teeth don’t lose their attractive white shade to stains. Simply include any of the food and drinks we mentioned in your diet for a bright smile. If you have stained teeth and want to get rid of them fast and efficiently, visit Dental Arts Seminole for the best teeth whitening near you. We offer the best dental care services in Seminole at affordable rates.