After years of consuming foods and beverages that have pigments that cling to your teeth and cause them to have a yellowish tint, many people turn to professional teeth whitening to grow newfound confidence in their smile. In many cases, these treatments offer results within a single visit to the dentist or if you choose the at-home option, within two weeks. However, the question that many people who invest in a whiter smile have is, “How do I keep my teeth from looking discolored again?” Read on to learn about four foods that can help you get the most out of your newly brightened grin.
Strawberries
Strawberries have much more to offer than many people think. They’re a delicious, juicy, and craveable fruit, but they also contain a natural enzyme called malic acid. This enzyme is colorless and assists your body in converting the carbs you consume into energy for your muscles, which can also help reduce your risk of oral health issues like cavities! The downside is that because this compound is an acid, it’s important not to expose your teeth to too much of it, because it could result in enamel erosion.
Fibrous Vegetables & Fruits
Healthy, fibrous fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots all act like natural stain-removing tooth brushes each time you chew them. Not only do they increase your saliva production, helping to neutralize harmful oral bacteria, but they also help brush away plaque in the hard-to-reach crevices of your mouth that bind with tannins in foods and beverages to cause tooth discoloration.
Oranges & Pineapples
Tart fruits like oranges and pineapples also help your mouth produce more saliva, not only reducing your risk of dental decay, but also minimizing plaque build-up. Be careful not to consume too much citrus and acidic fruits, though, because this could lead to enamel erosion.
Dairy Products
Dairy products aren’t always a great option for everyone to add more of into their diet, but if you’re able to, yogurt, milk, and cheese can all help fight against cavities. Each of these products contains lactic acid, which can help fortify your tooth enamel. If you eat hard cheeses, these can also help whiten your teeth by removing plaque due to their natural texture.
While it’s impossible to completely prevent dental staining, by implementing these foods into your diet, you can make your professional teeth whitening results last longer and keep your smile looking brilliant and feeling healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Armin Tepner has been practicing dentistry since 1984 and joined Indianapolis Family Dentistry in 1997. He enjoys getting to know his patients and helping them achieve smiles that they feel proud to show off. He invests his free time into sharpening his dental skills by taking continuing education courses and offers a wide array of cosmetic dental services, including in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening. To learn more about our cosmetic treatments, visit our website or call 317-898-3384.