It is possible for perfectly healthy teeth to be ivory or yellowish, but in modern times, a bright white smile is considered appealing and attractive. Because of the growing interest in white teeth, many people end up obsessively using the best electric toothbrushes and mouthwashes to regularly clean their teeth. Practising good oral hygiene can prevent further teeth staining from occurring, but a perfectly sparkling smile requires a person to lighten their teeth through other means. Teeth whitening kits are very effective, but there are also plenty of foods that naturally whiten teeth. These top ten foods for whitening teeth have natural chemical and physical properties that will lift stubborn stains and lighten teeth even further.
Pineapples
Pineapple is a completely natural tooth whitener because it is the only food that contains bromelain. A 2012 study discovered that bromelain removes stains by removing layers of protein buildup that form on teeth over time. Not only does the bromelain in pineapple remove teeth stains, but it also makes teeth appear shinier, smoother, and more luminous. Currently, scientists are attempting to find ways to add bromelain to toothpaste, but it degrades so quickly that pineapple is still the best way to use this natural tooth whitener.
Apples
Apples whiten teeth in two different ways. First of all, the fibrous content of apples helps to clean the surface of the teeth, removing staining foods stuck between teeth just like a good water flosser would. Secondly, apples have a very high concentration of malic acid, a mild acid that is so effective at cleaning teeth that some toothpastes use it as an ingredient. Malic acid cleans teeth and boosts the cleaning properties of saliva even further, so a 2013 Spanish study by the University of Grenada showed that the malic acid found in apples helps to remove stains.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the best foods to whiten teeth because it protects teeth from stains and cavities. When eaten raw, the crunchy fibre of broccoli gently polishes and cleans the surface of the tooth, lifting stubborn stains. It is also a great source of iron, which helps to prevent further stains from building up on the surface of the tooth. Therefore, eating broccoli before eating foods that stain teeth can help to keep teeth shiny and white.
Hard Cheeses
Cheese provides important minerals, primarily calcium and phosphorus, that keep tooth enamel healthy and strong. Though all cheeses can strengthen teeth against stains, harder cheeses whiten teeth even more because they stimulate saliva production, which cleans teeth as you eat. Most hard cheeses also contain lactic acid, a byproduct from the process used to transform milk into cheese. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has shown that this lactic acid protects the teeth from tooth decay, therefore ensuring that your teeth do not get unsightly cavities. The milk protein that is found in dairy, casein, strengthens the enamel of teeth, so they can remain strong against stains that would otherwise penetrate deep within the enamel.
Dark Chocolate
Though most dentists recommend avoiding candy for a healthy smile, one type of candy can actually be a great way to lighten teeth. Dark chocolate helps to prevent stains on teeth because it has high levels of theobromine. Theobromine is a naturally occurring compound that is responsible for dark chocolate’s distinctive taste, and it can actually harden enamel. Research from Tulane University suggests that theobromine protects enamel from stains better than the more commonly used fluoride. However, researchers caution that sugary milk chocolate still causes cavities, so people eating chocolate for tooth health should stick to dark, sugar-free chocolate.
Carrots
When they are eaten raw, carrots have a very crisp, crunchy texture. As your teeth bite down on carrots, they are scrubbing the enamel of the teeth, which helps to remove stains layered along the top of the surface of your teeth. The act of vigorously chewing carrots also helps to speed up saliva production in the mouth, and this saliva further cleans the surface of the teeth. The high levels of vitamin A found within carrots is essential for healthy tooth enamel that can resist staining foods and drinks.
Raisins
The sticky texture of raisins make them seem like they would end up clinging to the surface of teeth, but they are actually very good at whitening teeth. Raisins work to naturally whiten teeth by boosting the production of saliva. Studies have shown that when raisins are added to a meal, the mouth naturally produces more saliva s it chews. Not only does saliva remove bits of food from the mouth, but it also gets rid of plaque that could otherwise be hiding the whiteness of your teeth. Saliva production is not the only way that raisins help to whiten teeth; they also contain high levels of iron, which protects the tooth enamel from stains.
Nuts and Seeds
All types of nuts and seeds, ranging from sesame to almond, are of the best options if you are thinking about how to make your teeth whiter. There are a few key ways that nuts and seeds brighten and lighten teeth. Almost all nuts and seeds have high levels of calcium, and your teeth need this mineral to maintain a strong surface that is not easily penetrated by stains. Nuts and seeds also help to scrub plaque away from teeth and boost saliva production, so they can lighten existing stains on the surface of the teeth.
Strawberries
Like apples, strawberries are another fruit that contains malic acid, and this form of acid is very good at cleaning away stains without deteriorating teeth. The small seeds of strawberries also help to clean teeth, because the tiny bits of fibre gently buff away stains. Strawberries also have extremely high levels of vitamin C. Not only does this vitamin promote good health, but it helps to clear away unsightly plaque that otherwise lingers on the surface of teeth, making them look dull and yellowish. Many natural beauty recipes suggest mashing up strawberries and letting them sit on your teeth to whiten the teeth, but you can get the tooth whitening benefits of strawberries just from eating them normally.
Green Tea
Typically, tea is listed as one of the beverages that is most responsible for unsightly teeth stains. While black tea is problematic, green tea is actually very beneficial for lightening teeth. The tannins in green tea keep bacteria from sticking to teeth without being so strong that they stain teeth like the tannins in black tea do. Green tea also helps to raise fluoride levels, so the enamel of teeth do not erode as much, and the antioxidant polyphenols in green tea help to reduce bacteria and acids that harm the surface of teeth.
