Dental health is an important key to living a healthy life! You’ve heard that plenty of foods can be harmful to your teeth. In an effort to maintain those sparkly whites, many of us avoid coffee, tea, and other enamel staining foods. For years, dental professionals have warned us about the impacts certain foods can have on your oral health. But, what if you could enjoy your favorite foods without the need to worry about yellowing your teeth? There are actually several foods that help naturally whiten your teeth. Combined with effective dentist approved whitening products, such as Crest whitening strips, you can eat your way to a beautiful smile! Read on to find out which foods can actually naturally whiten your teeth!
Strawberries
Talk about a sweet treat! These little red berries may stain your clothes, but they definitely have the opposite effect when it comes to your teeth. The secret behind strawberries’ teeth whitening power comes from the presence of malic acid. This powerful enzyme is known for its cleansing powers. According to a recent study, malic acid acts as a natural astringent. The acid actually works to prevent and gently remove enamel discoloration. Strawberries are the perfect on the go snack. They can also be added to salads and smoothies. Some holistic health professionals even recommend mashing a couple of strawberries up and applying them to your teeth. Allow the fruit to set on your teeth for around five minutes. Make sure to rinse, brush, and floss after application.
Apples
The saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” However, an apple a day could actually make your dentist pretty happy as well. Apples are full of nutrition and fibre. This popular crunchy fruit also helps naturally whiten your teeth in a pretty simple way. As you chomp down on a fresh apple, the fruit increases saliva production in your mouth. Saliva is known as the mouth’s natural cleaner. Increased saliva production means less bacteria and a decrease in stains.
Citrus Fruit
Oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are also great for increased saliva production. These fruits have several other added health benefits and make a great addition to your diet. There is one concern to keep in mind. High acidic fruits, such as lemons, can have harmful effects to your teeth’s enamel. It is not recommended to apply lemons directly to your teeth. Allowing these fruits to make lasting contact with your teeth can cause sensitivity and other issues.
Pineapple
Just like the other fruits mentioned, this tropical fruit is perfect for increasing saliva production and ridding the mouth of staining bacteria. Pineapple is delicious as a standalone snack or an addition to a smoothie.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral that has tons of healthy benefits. However, it’s the banana peel that offers up teeth whitening power. An interesting teeth whitening routine involves rubbing the banana peel on your teeth. Several natural dental experts recommend this cheap DIY routine. All you need to do is rub the peel on your teeth for around two minutes. After the two minutes, brush your teeth like you would normally do. Banana peel is a great teeth whitening agent since it is not abrasive like some other products.
Celery
Celery is yet another healthy food that helps the mouth produce more saliva. More saliva means a cleaner mouth and less bacteria that can cause staining. Also, the powerful crunch of the celery can work wonders on your teeth. As you munch on the crispy stalks, it will clean your teeth and reduce the amount of plaque buildup. This will leave your teeth whiter than before!
Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese
These dairy products provide plenty of bone and teeth strengthening calcium. They also contain another great component that has lasting health impacts. Dairy products contain lactic acid. Lactic acid is actually proven to prevent tooth decay. According to AARP, a dental study discovered that children that eat four or more servings of dairy a day encountered less instances of tooth decay and other dental problems. Dairy products are even proven to prevent cavities and prevent damage. As if we needed an extra reason to say “extra cheese, please!”
Carrots
There is a reason that some dentists call carrots “nature’s toothbrush.” Just like the other vegetables mentioned on our list, carrots help increase saliva production. The extreme crunch of carrots also cleanses the teeth and prevents plaque buildup. Besides teeth whitening power, carrots are also packed with plenty of nutrients for a healthy diet!
Not only are these foods considered part of a healthy and balanced diet, they can also have incredible teeth whitening abilities. Reap the many health benefits of this foods and have the pearly whites you have always wanted. What are you waiting for? Eat up!
