Teeth whitening has become very important these days, people visit their dentist and look forward to an on the spot beautiful smile.
Of course, there are such treatments available which can brighten the teeth and restore some of their regular, pearly white polish, but in many cases, it can only be achieved by combining whitening treatment with a change in lifestyle, routine and especially diet.
We all are familiar with the proverb an apple a day keeps the doctor away, yes, it’s true in the case of teeth whitening as well because crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, and vegetables like celery and carrots, can cleanse plaque and bacteria arouse saliva production. It's also provided good sources of vitamins and minerals that strengthen your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Diet:
Let's discuss other Bright Smile Diet foods and drinks that must be part of your diet for a happy and Natural Teeth Whitening. Diet plays a significant role in the appearance of our teeth, as certain foods and drinks can stain teeth, while others can help maintain or even improve their brightness. Here's an overview of foods that stain and those that brighten your teeth
Strawberries:
Strawberries are often considered suitable for teeth whitening because they are rich in malic acid, a natural fruit acid with mild exfoliating properties. This acid helps to break down surface stains on the teeth, promoting a whiter appearance. Malic acid can also stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth and protects the enamel. The astringency of strawberries, due to their high tannin content, can help to get rid of surface debris and stains from the teeth, contributing to a cleaner and whiter look. Strawberries also have enzymes like strawberry polyphenols, which can work to break down organic stains on teeth and help to have a brighter smile.
Green Leafy Vegetables:
Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and lettuce, can help support teeth whitening in many ways; leafy greens are rich in fiber, which acts like a natural toothbrush. They also keep a neutral pH balance, which protects enamel and prevents staining caused by acidic foods and drinks. They add to an overall healthy oral environment that supports tooth brightness, so adding them to your diet regularly can help maintain cleaner, healthier, and naturally whiter teeth.
Dairy products:
Dairy products like Cheese, yogurt, and milk contain lactic acid, which decreases the number of bacteria in your mouth and prevents tooth decay. Dairy products, particularly Cheese, are calcium-enriched, which is essential for the health and strength of tooth enamel. Cheese contains casein, a protein that helps form a protective layer on the teeth. This protective layer can help prevent acids from attacking tooth enamel, which can cause yellowing and staining. Many dairy products are also rich in phosphates and vitamin D. Phosphates help re-mineralize the enamel, restoring its natural whiteness. In contrast, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium more effectively, supporting overall tooth health and strength. By reducing plaque accumulation, Cheese helps prevent the yellowing of teeth and maintains a cleaner, brighter smile.
Water:
Water helps maintain the health and appearance of your teeth, including keeping them white. Here's how water contributes to teeth whitening and overall oral health. Drinking water all day long, rinse away food particles, sugars, and staining substances like coffee, tea, and berries. By flushing these substances off your teeth, water helps curb plaque buildup, which can contribute to yellowing and staining over time. Water, mainly when it contains fluoride (as in many municipal water supplies), can help re-mineralize and strengthen tooth enamel. Stronger enamel is more resistant to stains and discoloration, contributing to a whiter and healthier smile. Drinking water regularly helps to maintain oral health by keeping the mouth clean, neutralizing acids, promoting saliva production, and preventing staining and plaque buildup. For brighter, whiter teeth, it's beneficial to drink plenty of water the whole day, especially after consuming foods and drinks that may contribute to staining.
What to Avoid: these are the foods one should avoid to get a bright, beautiful sleep.
“A genuine smile comes from the heart, but a healthy smile needs good dental care."
What to Avoid:
- Coffee: Coffee stains your teeth, so it's essential to avoid or limit the amount you drink in a day; it's better to have one cup of coffee each day. Just one will do enough damage.
- Tea: Black tea is more harmful than coffee because of its dark colors and tannins. Less tea is less staining.
- Fizzy Drinks – fizzy drinks contain sugar and acid; avoid these drinks entirely if possible because this acid in soft and fizzy drinks destroys the surface hardness of the enamel of teeth and decolors it.
- Wine: red wine also contains anthocyanins and tannins, which can easily stain the surface of your teeth, making them darker over time. While white wine can't stain your teeth, the acidity still diminishes your teeth' enamel, which increases the sensitivity of teeth to damage by other staining food.
- Fruit Juices: Some fruit juices have higher pigments, like blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranates, so they can stain teeth over time. Avoiding these drinks because of their high malic acid is also advisable.
- Dark Fruits: we should avoid fruits such as blackberries because of their higher pigmentation, as mentioned above.
- Chocolate and candies: Candies and chocolates contain refined sugar and coloring, which can definitely damage teeth whitening.
- Sauce: soy sauce, turmeric, sauce, balsamic vinegar, and tomato sauce all carry risks for teeth whitening because of their color and acidity.
Tips for Reducing Teeth Stains:
Apart from Limiting Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks, to achieve and maintain a bright white teeth can be demanding, especially with factors like food, drinks, and habits which can cause staining. Let's discuss some handy tips to use for a brighter smile.
1. Brush Regularly and Properly
Brushing your teeth after eating or drinking helps remove food particles that could stain your teeth. Toothpaste containing mild abrasives or baking soda can help remove surface stains over time. Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth to ensure thorough cleaning.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing helps get rid of food particles and plaque between your teeth, areas where stains can form. Healthy gums help keep your teeth looking bright and free from discoloration.
3. Use a Straw for Stain-Causing Beverages
If you're drinking coffee, tea, or any sugary beverages, using a straw can help reduce the amount of liquid that comes into direct contact with your teeth.
4. Rinse with Water After Eating or Drinking
Swishing water around your mouth right after eating or drinking can help wash away food particles and minimize staining. Staying hydrated with water helps wash away food particles and reduce plaque buildup.
5. Avoid Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Tobacco products are one of the leading causes of stubborn yellow and brown stains on teeth. Quitting can help improve the color and overall health of your teeth. This habit can also stain teeth and cause long-term damage, so it's important to avoid it.
6. Use Whitening Products
Over-the-counter whitening strips or gels that contain hydrogen peroxide can help lighten tooth discoloration. Some mouthwashes contain whitening agents that can help reduce surface stains. Look for products that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Use a toothpaste designed to whiten teeth by removing surface stains. Be cautious of overuse, as some whitening toothpastes may be too abrasive.
7. Consider Re-mineralizing Products
Some toothpaste is formulated to help restore minerals to your teeth, improving their natural shine and reducing sensitivity. Fluoride strengthens enamel and can help prevent staining by providing extra protection against acid erosion.
8. Chewing Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing gum can stimulate saliva, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles that might cause staining.
Contact your Pinole dentist, Dr. Azadeh Hosseini, DDS, or Ghazal Hosseini, DDS, at Top Pinole Dental to learn more about the role of diet in teeth whitening.
Resource:
The Importance of Oral Hygiene: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums
*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.*