East Indy Dentist Shares 5 Foods That Naturally Clean & Whiten Teeth

We’re all aware of the foods that can stain our teeth. Beverages such as coffee, tea and red wine are notorious for staining teeth and can cause them to appear more yellow than they once did. 

 

While it is important to avoid these foods and beverages as much as possible, there are certain food products that can have the opposite effect. These foods naturally clean your teeth, ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria. Furthermore, they have been shown to give you a brighter, whiter smile.

 

When trying to think of foods that are tooth-friendly, always keep two things in mind: saliva production and chewing. Try to stick to foods that increase the production of saliva and require you to chew them thoroughly before swallowing.

 

By focusing on tooth-friendly foods, you’ll be eating more consciously, as well as chewing your way to a brighter smile. Let’s look at five of our favorite foods that will naturally clean and whiten your teeth.

 

• Dairy Products – Things such as yogurt, cheese and low-fat milk are all perfectly safe for your teeth and can help whiten your smile. Dairy products are loaded with minerals such as calcium, which helps strengthen your teeth. Furthermore, dairy contains a substance known as lactic acid. Lactic acid neutralizes other harmful acids in your mouth and can help protect your teeth from decay and harmful bacteria.

 

• Strawberries – You might be tempted to think that strawberries could stain your teeth because of their red color. However, strawberries have been shown to have the opposite effect and can naturally whiten your smile. They contain malic acid, which is an enzyme capable of breaking down surface stains and cleaning your teeth.

 

• Flaxseed – Rich in Omega-3 fatty acid, flaxseed has been known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Moreover, foods that reduce inflammation may also help protect against gingivitis and other forms of periodontal disease. To implement flaxseed into your diet, you can try adding some into your next batch of muffins or simply mix them into your daily smoothie.

 

• Fibrous Vegetables – Not only are fiber-rich vegetables great for your waistline, they are also good for you gum line as well. These crunchy veggies stimulate saliva production which helps neutralize acids and wash away leftover food particles. So, next time you get a craving for something crunchy, forget the chips. Instead, try reaching for a bag of carrots, broccoli, celery or cauliflower.

 

• Pineapple – Pineapples contain an enzyme known as bromelain. Bromelain acts as a natural stain remover and can naturally help whiten your teeth. Furthermore, this zesty tropical fruit also increases the flow of saliva, which will help wash away food debris and prevent plaque from forming the surface of your teeth.

 

While these foods are great for naturally cleaning your teeth, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for routine oral hygiene. Therefore, even if you’re eating these foods, it’s still important to brush your teeth twice every day for at least two minutes. And, don’t forget to floss.

 

Have questions for your East Indy dentist? Call Mitthoeffer Family Dental today at (317) 897-5093.