Teeth whitening is a booming business and for good reason. It’s natural to want a gorgeous smile. Not every set of pearly whites is an ideal candidate for the treatment, however. If you’re looking for a little boost in appearance or wish to avoid harsh chemicals or intensive treatments, consider adding foods to your diet that naturally boost the whiteness of your smile. These five foods aren’t just delicious and healthy — in moderation! — but they’ll give your teeth a boost, and as a result, your confidence will jump, too.
STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries stain, right? These bright red berries might stain your lips, your shirt and your fingers, but they can actually boost the whiteness of your smile. Strawberries contain malic acid, which can brighten your smile by stripping away stains.
Too much of a good thing can still be a bad thing, though. Enough malic acid sitting on your teeth can encourage enamel erosion. Pay particular attention to what you’re doing after snacking on this summertime favorite. Drink water to neutralize the acid when you’re done munching.
CARROTS
Avoid saying “What’s up, Doc?” to your dentist by chomping on Bugs Bunny’s favorite snack, carrots. Carrots help keep your teeth in good shape, and they can also whiten your smile. This is courtesy of their rough texture. Because you need to chew them more than softer snacks, carrots act as a sort of natural toothbrush, scraping away gunk, grime and even mild stains. The act of chewing will also stimulate saliva, keeping your teeth and gums healthy and happy. As a bonus, carrots contain a whopping amount of vitamin A, which contributes to enamel health.
CHEESE
At first mention, cheese might sound like a dental nightmare. After all, it’s soft enough to stick in the nooks and crannies between teeth. But cheese is an excellent snack to whiten your teeth thanks to its lactic acid content and the active enzymes left over from the process of turning milk into cheese. As with other foods, be sure to rinse your mouth after snacking; otherwise, give yourself permission to have a “gouda” time when snacking on your favorite dairy product. As a bonus? The calcium in cheese can contribute to stronger teeth.
SEEDS AND NUTS
Not only are seeds and nuts little powerhouses packed with protein, but they can help whiten and brighten your smile as well. The rough texture of these snacks buffs out stains and discoloration, giving your smile a gentle exfoliation while you crunch, munch and chew your way to satiety. Brush or floss afterward to ensure no sharp pieces get lodged between teeth or in your gumline, but snack happily knowing you’re also brightening your smile.
PINEAPPLE
The naturally high sugar content in pineapple make this a “sometimes” treat — best enjoyed carefully and in moderation for optimal dental health. But pineapples are chock full of another compound that can help boost your smile’s sparkle. Bromelain, the enzyme responsible for the tart bite that accompanies this fruit’s sweetness, is effective at whitening and brightening your teeth. Just rinse your mouth or drink some water after indulging your sweet tooth to neutralize the acids caused by snacking on pineapple and reduce the amount of decay-contributing sugars present after your snack session.
WHITENING YOUR TEETH THROUGH NATURAL MEANS
You can boost the appearance of your teeth through natural means, such as brushing and flossing regularly and being mindful of the foods you eat and how you take care of your mouth after eating. But natural methods go only so far. If you’re yearning for a brighter smile, it’s worth it to book an appointment at the dentist’s office.
If you’re not keen to try whitening methods, you can take the opportunity to discuss your options and choose one that suits your needs and lifestyle. For nearly everyone, a basic cleaning can boost the appearance of your smile almost immediately — and help ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and in great shape.
Maple Leaf Dental is available to help with all of your oral health and hygiene needs. Give us a call to book your appointment today by dialing (281) 497-5558. If you’d prefer to avoid the phone, simply click here to send us an email to secure your spot.