Plenty has been written and discussed about the foods and beverages that cause your teeth to become stained and discolored. After all, the offenders are practically obvious: coffee, tea, cola, spaghetti sauce, chocolate, berries and other deeply colored dietary staples that we all enjoy. But what about the foods that can actually help you have a white and healthy smile? Yes, there are those, too. Drs. Katherine and Brian Lee are dentists at Hickory Flat, and they have some very easy and tasty suggestions for you to munch on in order to clean and whiten your teeth naturally.
An Apple a Day
We’ve all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But just as true is, “An apple a day keeps tooth stains away.” When you chew and apple, you’re also giving your teeth a good scrubbing. In addition, apples contain malic acid, which increases saliva to clean your teeth and help to remove stains.
Say Aloha! To White Teeth
Pineapple is the only food that has bromelain, an enzyme that is a natural anti-inflammatory and cleanser. In fact, many stain removing toothpastes list bromelain as an ingredient.
Eat Your Broccoli
This may have been a line that your mom used, but the dentists at Hickory Flat like it, too. Broccoli is a vegetable that is rich in fiber. Like a raw apple, chewing broccoli also cleans and polishes your teeth. In addition, the iron in broccoli strengthens tooth enamel, the first line of defense against cavities as well as stains.
Say Cheese!
With minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, cheese helps your teeth stay strong. Also, the protein in cheese protects tooth enamel, and hard cheeses help to clean your teeth by stimulating the production of saliva.
Drink Up
Water is not only a beverage that is healthy for your body, but for your teeth, as well. Drinking water throughout the day keeps your saliva level up, and having water during and after a meal rinses away debris, food particles and plaque that can all stain your teeth.
See Your Dentists at Hickory Flat
Of course, seeing the dentist for regular checkups is also a great and important way to keep your teeth their whitest. We’ll not only clean your teeth and remove surface stains, we’ll also examine your teeth to make sure they are strong and healthy. If you’re due for a dental checkup, call Dentistry at Hickory Flat in Canton, GA, today.