Trying to whiten up your teeth? You’re not alone. Here are some good foods to eat (and some to avoid) to help brighten up your smile.
Crunchy Foods
Healthy, crunchy foods such as apples, cauliflower, celery and carrots help whiten your teeth as they function as a natural scrub. They also stimulate the production of saliva, which helps keep plaque from forming on your teeth.
Citrus Fruits
Acid in oranges and pineapples may help whiten teeth, and they also contain enzymes that kill bacteria. Juicy citrus foods help produce more saliva in your mouth as well to wash away foods that stain like coffee and red wine.
Strawberries
Strawberries contain an acid called malic acid that can help whiten teeth, and eating them several times a week can help whiten your teeth.
Dairy
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and some cheeses contain lactic acid, which helps to prevent tooth decay. They’re also filled with calcium, which guards and strengthens the bones that hold your teeth in place.
Avoid
Also trying to avoid certain foods that stain your teeth can help your cause to get whiter, brighter teeth. If something causes a stubborn stain in the laundry, it’ll cause stains on your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine and soda are all offenders in darkening your teeth, and smoking is a terrible offense in the fight to keep teeth healthier and whiter. If you can, try to brush your teeth, drink water or chew sugarless gum as soon as possible after consuming these items to help prevent stains.
Source: NBCNews.com, “Eat (and Drink) Your Way to a Healthier, Whiter Smile,” by Jennifer Nelson, August 5, 2011
