A bright white smile is something that everyone desires. Unfortunately, many individuals have stained teeth due to unhealthy habits and foods. Some staining may be due to smoking, causing yellowing of teeth over a long period of time. Some individuals have stained teeth from food or beverage products such as coffees, teas, and sodas. Many individuals try products such as white strips, and teeth home whitening kits to whiten their teeth. These treatments do not always work and may be quite harsh on your teeth.
Fortunately, there are natural remedies for whiter teeth found in specific foods, such as:
1. Strawberries
Many individuals may automatically think that strawberries stain teeth due to their red and dark coloration. Fortunately, the opposite is true. Strawberries contain malic acid, an enzyme that naturally whitens teeth by removing the surface layer of discoloration. The more strawberries that are eaten, the more malic acid will be released on teeth for whitening.
2. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a vegetable which requires significant chewing. Foods that require a lot of chewing are naturally good for teeth. The more chewing; the more saliva is produced. Saliva is a natural cleaner that will continue whitening teeth.
3. Cheese
Cheese is one of many dairy products that will assist in whitening teeth. Dairy products are known for containing calcium, which promotes tooth and bone health and growth. They also contain lactic acid which is a natural strength provider and cleaner. Both calcium and lactic acid also provide properties that whiten teeth. Casein is also an ingredient in cheese that reduces mineral loss.
4. Celery
Celery is a vegetable that contains a lot of fiber while remaining low in calorie intake. Foods with significant fiber require consistent chewing. This chewing, again, produces saliva, which is a natural cleaner of teeth to provide whiter teeth.
5. Apples
After eating an apple, everyone knows the pain of having particles stuck between teeth. It is lesser known, however, that apples are natural tooth whiteners. The fruit requires significant chewing, producing saliva and therefore, cleaning teeth. Apples also provide assistance to gum strengthening as well.
6. Seeds and nuts
Seeds and nuts require excessive chewing, but these work a little differently than the other heavy chewers that have been mentioned. Seeds and nuts naturally scrape against teeth to clean. This provides exfoliation to each tooth’s surface.
7. Onions
Onions are another vegetable that one would never expect to provide teeth whitening as they naturally cause bad breath. Thankfully, however, onions contain sulfur, preventing plaque buildup. This only works if onions are eaten raw.
8. Water
Water is a beverage that should be sipped throughout the day to prevent tooth discoloration and increase tooth whitening. If water is swished and drunk after eating foods that cause discoloration, it will prevent staining. The type of water drank should not contain carbonation, however, as carbonation causes staining.