If you recently got professional teeth whitening, then you probably want to ensure you make the most of your results for as long as possible. Of course, brushing and flossing are the first steps to maintain clean and healthy smile in the comfort of your home. However, you may have additional methods for keeping your pearly whites shiny, and they’ll probably improve your diet in the process! Read on to learn four foods that can naturally brighten your teeth.
Food #1: Strawberries
Though strawberries are dark red (and able to stain your clothes), they’re also great at whitening your smile! This is due to them containing an enzyme known as malic acid, which is efficient at removing stubborn stains. Simply mash up some strawberries and rub them on your teeth. After leaving them on for five minutes, rinse and clean your teeth like normal.
Food #2: Apples
Apples are one of the crunchiest fruits out there, making them a perfect cleaning tool for your pearly whites. By munching on them, they can provide a natural scrubbing action while also washing away particles between and around your teeth.
Food #3: Celery
Much like carrots, celery offer a low calorie and nutrient-rich snack. They’re also clean and chewy foods that benefit your gum tissue health as well as keep your teeth white! Not only do they help scrub your smile, but they can increase your saliva production—the essential agent to wash away bacteria from your mouth.
Food #4: Cheese
Along with yogurt, milk, and other dairy products, cheese contains lactic acid—a component that helps protect against tooth decay. This is also due to being calcium-rich, which strengthens the enamel of your teeth as well as whitens them. Additionally, cheese effectively stimulates saliva flow and removes food particles or debris.
Try incorporating these few foods in your daily diet to maintain a shiny smile! In combination with a proper dental hygiene, you’ll be sure to enjoy bright teeth on a daily basis. And if you ever feel like the results are beginning to fade, you can always visit your dentist for a professional touch-up.
About the Author
Dr. Barry R. Franzen is a proud member of a number of organizations including the Wisconsin and American Dental Associations, the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, and the Milwaukee Odontological Society. He received his dental doctorate from the Marquette University School of Dentistry and remains up-to-date on the latest techniques and technology. He provides multiple advanced treatments, such as teeth whitening, and would be glad to advise you on best practices for maintaining your pearly whites. If you want to know more about a healthy dental diet, visit his website or call 414-543-5432.