Foods That Whiten Teeth | Fortson Dentistry

The condition of your gums and teeth can serve as a reflection of your overall health. What you eat can significantly influence the health of your gums and teeth. Having white teeth is often an indication of a healthy dental regimen. However, modern lifestyles and eating habits that include tea, coffee, wine consumption, and tobacco smoking commonly contribute to the discoloration of teeth.

While it is possible to whiten your teeth using commercial dental products and services, these options can be costly, and if you choose the wrong approach to teeth whitening, they may contain chemical compounds that can harm your teeth and gums. This blog post explores the dietary habits you can adopt to achieve and preserve teeth whiteness. Read on to discover the top foods you can include in your diet to whiten your teeth and achieve a brighter smile naturally.

Cheese

Doctors and dentists recommend consuming dairy products such as milk and cheese to achieve strong bones and white teeth. Dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, are rich in lactic acid and calcium, a mineral that strengthens and fortifies the enamel. Milk and cheese consumption also stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food stains and harmful bacteria.

Casein, a protein in milk and other dairy products, helps preserve teeth whiteness by preventing staining and plaque accumulation. This casein also binds to tannins in tea and coffee, thus reducing the chances of yellowing and discoloration.

Pineapple

Pineapple is a super fruit that provides many health benefits, including teeth whitening. Your teeth contain a protective layer known as the pellicle. This pellicle comprises layers of salivary proteins that provide a surface for bacteria to cling on and protect teeth by absorbing food pigments. However, bacteria accumulation made possible by the pellicle eventually leads to staining and teeth discoloration.

Pineapples contain bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that naturally dissolves the teeth’ pellicles to remove stains. Bromelain works by breaking down the plaque, the bacteria that sticks on the teeth’ surface. This plaque bacteria is also responsible for the erosion of the enamel, which often leads to dental cavities.

Strawberries

Despite their deep red color, Strawberries are excellent at enhancing teeth whiteness. These fruits contain malic acid, which has bleaching properties that lighten discolored teeth. The malic acid in strawberries also boosts saliva production, thus benefiting people who suffer from dry mouth.

Saliva production helps to wash away food stains and protects teeth against decay. You can consume strawberries as raw fruit or even as a component of your smoothies and yogurts.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Regular apple consumption can also translate to fewer trips to the dentist. The crunchy nature of the apple allows it to function as a natural toothbrush, scrubbing and cleaning your teeth in the process as you consume it. Like strawberries, apples are also rich in malic acid, a common ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste. The malic acid in apples promotes saliva production, which sweeps stains and prevents tooth decay.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a crunchy vegetable that you can consume raw or cooked. Chewing a raw piece of broccoli allows the crunchy florets to serve as a natural toothbrush, thus cleaning your teeth in the process. The vegetable is also rich in iron which helps in strengthening your teeth’ enamel. A healthy and robust enamel helps protect your teeth against stains, erosion, and stain-causing bacteria.

Watermelon

Watermelons have a high concentration of malic acid compared to apples and strawberries. The malic acid in watermelons aids in saliva production, serving as a natural teeth cleaning solution. Furthermore, the crunchiness and fibrous texture of the fruit helps in scrubbing and cleaning your teeth to remove stain-causing food debris.

Celery and cauliflower

Cauliflower and celery are other foods that naturally help keep your teeth white. They require a lot of grinding and chewing, which helps clean the tooth enamel to prevent bacteria build-up. Secondly, chewing helps to stimulate saliva production, a natural teeth cleanser that helps keep your teeth white and bright.

Water

Water not only helps to keep your body hydrated but also keeps your teeth clean and whiter. Regular water consumption reduces bacteria accumulation and stain formation, the primary causes of teeth discoloration. It is advisable to swish water in your mouth after every meal to wash away any food stains and debris. Furthermore, drinking water helps to neutralize the level of acidity in your mouth. Acidity is one of the primary causes of enamel erosion.

Other common ways to brighten teeth

Your dentist will likely recommend regular brushing and flossing your teeth each day. Still, you can prevent discoloration by limiting the consumption of stain-enhancing foods and drinks like dark berries, coffee, soda, and energy drinks.

While making better choices in your food and beverages can lead to a whiter smile, sometimes it takes professional teeth whitening to achieve the look you truly desire. Contact your nearest Fortson Dentistry location if you’re located in the metro Detroit area and would like to learn more about professional teeth whitening or teeth whitening for sensitive teeth. We’ll be happy to set up a consultation and discuss your options.

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Fortson Dentistry’s staff provides high-quality dental services to our patients in Southeast Michigan from our five locations.