Foods That Brighten Tooth Enamel

A beautiful smile is due in part to your diligent dental hygiene routine. You can always keep her pearly whites looking their best by brushing her teeth after every meal, flossing at least once a day, rinsing with a whitening mouthwash, and going for dental checkups at your dentist in Oakland, CA. Do you know that what you eat also affects your teeth? 

Here are some of the food items you can add to your diet to maintain a whiter smile.

Oranges and Other Citrus Fruits

Oranges and other citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C and citric acid, which can help make tooth enamel whiter.

Calcium in oranges can help remineralize tooth enamel. Calcium can also bind to plaque and tartar, which can prevent them from sticking to your teeth. In addition to citrus fruits, some dark berries can also help make teeth whiter. Strawberries and blueberries are high in Vitamin C, which can help remineralize tooth enamel and help maintain tooth enamel integrity.

Strawberries

The texture of strawberries helps clean away plaque, making them an ideal snack for your oral health. Strawberries are also high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect tooth enamel.

Apples

An apple a day may keep the dental hygienist away, but it won’t prevent discoloration of your enamel. Although apples are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C, the sugar and acid found in them can cause enamel erosion.

Try snacking on carrots or celery. Both are rich in vitamin A, which may help to keep your teeth white.

Dairy Products

Milk, cheese, and yogurt contain vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, which can help your teeth stay strong and decay-resistant. Some cheeses are also low in sugar, which means they won’t feed oral bacteria. Make sure to choose plain yogurt, though, and avoid fruit-flavored yogurts, which are often high in sugar.

Tea

Tea contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help give teeth a whiter appearance. Tea also contains tannins, which can help prevent the buildup of plaque.

Black and green teas also contain fluoride, which can help prevent cavities. Drinking tea with a meal can help encourage saliva production, which also helps wash away bacteria and food debris.

Carrots

Carrots naturally polish and brighten teeth. The texture of the vegetable is also good for scrubbing away plaque.

Additionally, vitamin A found in carrots supports tooth enamel.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a fairly bland food, which makes them a great snack for fighting off sugar cravings. Even though they are mostly water, cucumbers still contain some natural sugars, which clean off your teeth when eaten.

Water

Water hydrates and refreshes the body.

Water is also good for your teeth. It rinses away the food particles that build up on the teeth throughout the day.

Drinking water also helps to dilute the acids that naturally form in the mouth. Acids wear down tooth enamel, making teeth more sensitive over time.

To learn more about best practices for oral health, call Bay Area Dental at (510) 350-8187 or visit our dental office at 3300 Webster Street, #907, Oakland, CA 94609. Book your appointment with our dentist in Oakland, CA, to achieve the smile you have always wished for.