Flash Those Pearly Whites: Foods For Whiter Teeth

Who doesn’t want bright and shiny teeth? They can make or break a person’s smile and can even influence a person’s social life. People tend to use a lot chemical based products to get that white shine on their teeth but the truth is that once the enamel breaks away it is very hard to get it back. There are however natural alternatives which can give you that white shine you seek. Read along if you want to know the list of a few foods for whiter teeth and a brighter smile.

Enamel, or the outermost layer of the teeth, is the hardest substance in the entire body, and when it starts to chip away-due to vigorous use and acid erosion from certain foods-you can barely feel it, owing to the dead cell composition of enamel. Before long, your teeth start showing off an unattractive yellowish-tint, and you stop showing off your teeth.

Fotunately for you, along with being generally good for you, certain fruits and vegetables come equipped with smile-maintaining and smile-protecting powers. Most of the items on the list of foods for whiter teeth are those  that require a lot of chewing, like apples, celery and carrots whiten teeth naturally because they’re like stain exfoliants.

Instead of expensive tooth whitening products, using the following foods might help in naturally regaining that 100-megawatt smile:

1- Strawberries

Strawberries are enriched with a chemical known as malic acid which is a natural bleaching agent common in most tooth whitening products can be very helpful in whitening your teeth.  Additionally the antioxidant ellagitannin and vitamin C contents of strawberries can help reduce stain attracting bacteria and prevent gum inflammation. Try rubbing mashed strawberries on your yellowed teeth and rinse after 5 five minutes prior to regular brushing for added benefit.

2- Apples, Carrots and Cauliflowers

Low in calories and rich in nutrients, these foods act as tooth cleaning agents by increasing saliva production and washing away other food particles from the teeth; owing mostly to the rigorous amount of chewing required.

3- Oranges and Lemons

Since the high acid content in citrus fruits might cause adverse effects on your teeth, it is recommended to rub their peels on your teeth instead of eating them-ideally before bedtime to allow overnight repair. Take care to not rub too aggressively, and rinse immediately afterwards.

4- Pineapples

Bromelain, an enzyme found in abundance in pineapples, is a necessary ingredient in stain removing toothpastes, according to the International Journal of Dental Hygiene-and pineapples are the only natural source of this anti-inflammatory and cleansing compound.

5- Yogurt, Milk and Cheese

Eating yogurt 4 times a week helps prevent enamel decay; and so, do milk and cheese. All these dairy products are rich in lactic acid, calcium, phosphorus and protein. These dairy contents thus strengthen and protect tooth enamel, while also stimulating saliva production and washing out food particles-in the case of hard cheese. Furthermore, the milk protein ‘casein’ found in cheese has been proven to reduce mineral loss from tooth enamel.

6- Raisins

Raisins are sweet and sticky and many people thus think that they are bad for teeth and can cause cavities and toothache. Contrary to popular belief, chewing on this sticky sweet, dry fruit helps prevent plaque buildup, tooth stains and cavity development by stimulating saliva production, which neutralises the bacteria-caused acidic environment in the mouth.

7- Seeds and Nuts

These winter staples work as tooth exfoliators by removing surface stains due to their abrasive outer textures. Some examples include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds and walnuts.

8- Apple Cider Vinegar

Most useful for caffeine and nicotine addicts, the acetic acid, potassium, magnesium and enzymes in apple cider vinegar are proven germ killers that also promote probiotic bacterial growth. Its acidic nature also aids in plaque breakdown and teeth-stain removal with regular use. Rinse your mouth properly after use and avoid vigorous brushing to avoid accidentally removing the enamel.

Additionally, one should avoid foods that cause discoloration of teeth. A common rule of thumb to remember is that whatever can dye cloth will discolor your teeth, for example nicotne, red wine, coffee, tar, tobacco etc…It’s also a good idea to avoid starchy foods, pickles, baked goods; basically, anything that makes your tooth rotting process faster.

This list is written with general audience in mind and does not take into account people who have dietary restrictions because of a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Such people should be more concerned about their medical dietary restrictions and less about incorporating foods for whiter teeth. They should only incoporate these foods in their diet after consultation from their regular doctor.

For other people, while these methods can be effective, if the teeth display a brownish tinge, they might want to consult a specialist. Book an Appointment with a top Dental Specialist in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad through oladoc.com. Or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your dental needs.