You might’ve heard that there are certain foods and beverages that can cause your teeth to stain more quickly. But are there any foods that can help lift discoloration from your teeth? As a matter of fact, there are! Whether you’ve just had a teeth whitening treatment and want to preserve your results or simply want to touch-up your pearly whites, these four tasty treats will help you get the job done.
1. Strawberries
Maybe you have strawberry-loving kids, or maybe you like to indulge in this sweet fruit yourself, but regardless, you probably know that strawberries usually cause stains on clothes and carpet. So how can they un-stain your teeth?
As it turns out, strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid, which is a natural teeth whitener. The more you know!
2. Crunchy Veggies
You know how when you bite into vegetables like carrots and celery, you get that nice, satisfying crunch? That crisp sound is a good indicator that it’s a veggie that’ll help brighten your teeth. Since they’re tougher to chew, they tend to stimulate more saliva production in the mouth – and saliva neutralizes harmful acids and helps wash away staining pigments!
3. Cheese and Yogurt
Hard cheeses can also make your mouth produce more saliva, but something most dairy products have in common is calcium. Calcium is an important building block for dental enamel, so when you increase your intake, it can have a natural whitening effect.
Researchers also believe that lactic acid, another substance typically found in dairy, protects teeth against cavity-causing bacteria. Since bacteria can make pearly whites appear yellow when they accumulate into build up, that’s one more anti-staining property you’ll find in cheeses and yogurt!
4. Whole Grains
Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread, meanwhile, contain plenty of fiber. Similar to crunchy vegetables, fibrous foods have a gentle scrubbing effect that cleans off bacteria and staining pigments – sort of like a toothbrush. Except much tastier!
Just be careful not to overdo it with the bread. Starches can also accelerate oral bacteria growth, leading to cavities when consumed in excess.
Conclusion
You’re not on your own when it comes to achieving a pearly white smile. There are plenty of foods that can help clean your teeth and prevent yellowy stains, and your dentist is always a phone-call away! If you ever want more whitening tips or need a polished touch-up, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar has over 13 years of experience in the field of dentistry. She’s actually received two dental degrees – one from her studies in India, and another from the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Dr. Parmar believes that this rich education has given her a unique experience, and that definitely shows in her top-notch skills. If you’d like a whiter and brighter smile, she’d be happy to share what she knows to help you achieve your goal! To contact her office, call 972-972-4646.