It’s always a bummer to think about your teeth being stained by your favorite espresso, dark berries, and a nice glass of red wine. White teeth are a sign of health and personal care, as well as a polished personal image. However, some people are concerned about ingesting the harsh chemicals from in-home whiteners and dentist whiteners can be very expensive. Here are 7 types of food that naturally keep your teeth white that are also good for you.
1.Cheese or Dairy Products(H2)
Cheese and dairy products are usually colorless, and contain calcium that strengthens your teeth. Healthy teeth are the first step before having white teeth – having cavity-ridden teeth that are white is simply pointless. Milk is another easy option to increase your calcium intake.
2. Strawberries (H2)
Although strawberries are berries, their red color doesn’t actually stain your teeth the way that blackberries’ juice does due to their malic acid levels. Malic acid acts as an astringent for your teeth to prevent discoloration.
3.Apples (H2)
Apples activate your salivary glands, and a healthy amount of saliva helps to kill bacteria in your mouth. Apples’ crispiness also helps stimulate your gums, which is necessary to keep them healthy. The skin of apples can floss out any food stuck in your teeth, so long as it doesn’t get stuck itself.
4.Seeds and Nuts (H2)
One of the reasons why our ancestors had healthy teeth is because of the seeds and nuts they ate. Seeds and nuts are rough; when chewed, they reduce the amount of plaque that builds up and can cause yellowing.
5.Onions (H2)
Onions themselves are known to kill bacteria. Onions are generally not a desirable taste to remain in your mouth, so you are also more likely to brush your teeth after eating them or gargle with Listerine.
6.Wasabi (H2)
Isothiocyanates are what make wasabi have that spicy zing, and they also keep bacteria at bay like onions do. Wasabi can help prevent cavities as long as you are able to stomach it a few times per week.
7.Baking Soda (H2)
You may have heard that baking soda is a good whitener for your teeth; the rough salt-like particles slough off the stains like facial scrubs do for your skin. Sprinkle a little onto your toothbrush or keep a bowl in your bathroom that you can press your damp toothbrush into before putting on toothpaste. Make sure not to swallow any and rinse out your mouth afterwards.
Those foods can help to keep your teeth white, but they may not help to actually whiten your teeth once they are badly stained. If you have yellow teeth, you might want to consider getting your teeth chemically whitened then maintain them afterwards eating these foods.