portrait of smiling red-headed woman with pineappleOne of the most common cosmetic complaints among our patients at Metropolitan Dental Care is tooth staining and discoloration. Of course, professional teeth whitening can dramatically brighten your smile. But are there other ways to achieve or maintain dazzling teeth? You bet! There are certain foods that can help whiten teeth the natural way without abrasive chemicals or substances. Today, your family dentist in Denver reveals several foods that can give your pearly whites an aesthetic boost!

Nuts and Seeds

Believe it or not, the abrasive texture of cashews, walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds actually serve as an exfoliant. These naturally delicious foods can aid  in removing surface stains to keep your teeth looking brilliant.

Citrus Fruit

Oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits promote healthy saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food particles, debris, and other harmful irritants, keeping your teeth clean and bright. Pineapple is also beneficial, as it contains bromelain – a cleansing and anti-inflammatory compound that is present in several whitening toothpastes.

Broccoli

Raw broccoli is crunchy and high in fiber. This food effectively polishes the teeth while it cleans and creates a natural protectant against acid buildup in the mouth.

Apples, Carrots, and Celery

Fruits and veggies with a high fiber content can help strengthen the gums, not to mention nourish your body and improve your overall health. Hydrating fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, can aid in saliva production and sweep cavity-causing bacteria away.

Strawberries

Strawberries may not be the apparent choice for foods that whiten teeth. However, this fruit contains malic acid, which serves as a mild astringent. In turn, this can help remove surface stains.

Dairy Products

It’s no secret that calcium-rich foods are essential for strong, healthy teeth. Foods like yogurt and milk are fantastic sources of calcium. Perhaps most impressively, cheese products also contain phosphorous and casein, which contribute to the repair of tooth enamel. We recommend hard cheeses, as they can help remove debris and food particles, too!

Water

It may not technically be defined as a “food”. However, water is the single most important thing for your teeth and gums, not to mention your overall health. Water not only hydrates the body for proper function, it can also rinse away harmful, plaque-inducing irritants.

If you drink tea or coffee, water can even help prevent staining. Simply swish a mouthful of water after drinking these beverages to keep your teeth looking clean and bright.

It is important to reduce or eliminate sparkling water, however. This type of beverage can erode your enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to damage.

Foods to Avoid

If your goal is whiter, brighter teeth, there are also a few foods you should avoid – or at least consume in moderation. For example, dark berries – such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries – can stain the teeth and make them appear dingy. Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and colas should also be reduced. Whenever drinking these beverages, try sipping through a straw instead of drinking directly from the glass. This will help decrease the time that the substance is in contact with the teeth surfaces.

Contact Your Family Dentist in Denver Today

To learn more about improving the appearance of your smile, reach out to a team member at Metropolitan Dental Care. If you’re looking for a family dentist in Denver, we invite you to pay us a visit. We are proud to serve Denver, Centennial, Parker, and Highlands Ranch. To schedule a consultation, call our office at 303-534-2626 or contact us online.