Do you want to have sparkling white teeth? The solution may be easier than you think. In addition to a good oral hygiene routine and regular check-ups with the dentist, you can also manage your diet in a way that improves your smile! To keep your teeth white, be sure to incorporate or omit the following foods and beverages from your diet.
Have Strawberries
Don’t let the red color of strawberries fool you! The malic acid in this delicious fruit actively removes stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. Throw this fruit into any meal for an added boost to your teeth!
Avoid Coffee
While we know coffee can be a vital part of any morning routine, it may also be wreaking havoc on your beautiful white teeth! Coffee contains tannins that settle into the bumps and grooves on the surface of your teeth, causing a stain. This liquid is also acidic, so it can change the pH balance of your mouth, making your teeth more susceptible to damage by any foods that follow your morning cup.
Have Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and broccoli, are considered nature’s toothbrushes! They scrub the surface of your teeth as you chew. Also, these foods contain high water content, so they wash away bacteria and food debris from your teeth and strengthen your gums as you eat.
Avoid Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, on the other hand, can cause problems for white teeth. They are highly acidic, making them particularly harmful and corrosive to your enamel. Try to limit your intake of citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit to avoid the damage. Should you eat these fruits (after all, they are high in nutrients like vitamin C), just be sure to brush immediately afterwards.
Have Water
Drinking water is a great way to keep your teeth healthy and white. It allows you to rinse away stains from pigmented foods and drinks like coffee, white, tomato sauce, and more. It also helps you to keep your saliva levels high, which ultimately allows you to wash away corrosive acids and debris from the surface of your teeth.
Have Hard Candies
It turns out that the amount of sugar you consume is actually not as important as the amount of time that these sugars have to rest on your teeth. For example, eating a piece of chocolate and swallowing it immediately is a lot less harmful to your dental enamel than a hard candy that sits on your teeth, feeding the bacteria that lead to tooth decay. Therefore, we recommend avoiding hard candies and similar sweets if you want to keep your pearly whites.
Have Dairy
Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, milk, etc. are great for your smile! The lactic acid and calcium found in dairy fortifies your enamel, strengthens your teeth, and whitens your enamel all at once. Also, a bonus point for eating hard cheeses: these increase your saliva production to help keep your teeth and gums clear of bacteria and acids.
Avoid Soda
While the sugar in soda can certainly be harmful to your teeth, even sugar-free soda should be avoided. Soda is acidic, making it corrosive to your enamel and causing decay. You should try to avoid sodas entirely, but if you must indulge, try to keep your drink to one sitting as opposed to sipping all day!
In addition to eating well, visiting your dentist regularly is a critical aspect to keeping your teeth looking and feeling great! Call Valley Dental Care of Plainfield today to schedule your next check-up.