7 Foods and Drinks That Whiten Teeth & how they Improve Oral Health

Teeth discoloration happens naturally. Teeth might turn yellow due to age, poor eating habits, or lifestyle decisions. There are a lot of teeth-whitening products on the market. 

One can use toothpaste, strips, or gel for whitening. However, these procedures can be pricey and use chemicals that could damage gums and teeth. There are other natural teeth-whitening solutions accessible. 

One choice is to consume foods that naturally whiten teeth. Most of their impacts are speculative and personal. However, there is no harm in trying them.

But what are these food items? As we explore some healthy food and drink suggestions from a professional dentist in Jacksonville, TX, let's figure out.

7 Foods & Drinks To Whiten Teeth

1. Strawberries

Malic acid, typically found in toothpaste, is in large quantities in strawberry juice. Malic acid is a natural astringent and helps remove discoloration from the surface of teeth.

You must remember that strawberries also contain citric acid, which erodes tooth enamel. Because of this, you should wait at least 30 minutes before cleaning your teeth after eating strawberries or other acidic meals.

2. Celery, Apples, and Carrots

Celery and apples, among other crunchy vegetables and fruits, are healthy sources of minerals and vitamins to strengthen your teeth. 

Dentists in Jacksonville, TX, suggest that these items are beneficial in brushing away germs and plaque, wipe away bacteria, and promoting salivation in your teeth.

3. Cheese

Acidic, dry mouth, sugary meals, and other factors may cause the dentin underneath your enamel to become revealed, giving your teeth a more yellow appearance.

Calcium found in cheese contributes to the development of bones and tooth enamel.

Casein, another protein included in cheese, is essential for the repair of dental enamel. Eating (cheese) also increases salivation, which helps to maintain oral hygiene by eliminating bacteria from the mouth.

However, avoid processed cheeses and choose soft-ripened, aged, blue and cheese instead.

4. Saliva

Saliva is mostly made up of water (almost 99%), which is crucial for maintaining dental health. Water is substituted for sugary drinks that erode tooth enamel and encourage tooth decay.

Water also has minerals and proteins that protect dental enamel and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. After ingesting foods or drinks high in pigment, fully rinse your mouth with water to retain a whiter, brighter grin.

5. Sugar-Free Gums

Chewing sugar-free gum between snacks and meals encourages increased salivation in your mouth. This allows you to wash out and balance acids developing inside your mouth with the food breaking down. This safeguards your teeth, promotes dental health, and keeps them clean.

6. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great backup if you ever run out of toothpaste. In addition, due to its alkalinity and moderate abrasiveness, baking soda aids in removing plaque from the surface of the teeth and tooth discoloration.

To make a paste with water and baking soda, brush for two minutes while using it as you would any other paste.

7. Oranges

Orange peels are more efficient than pulp for cleaning teeth. Vitamin C is found in them. Some abrasive teeth whitening products contain vitamin C. Plaque may be removed, and teeth can be made whiter by rubbing the white section of orange peels on the teeth.

Food & Drinks To Stay Away From

While some food items can help you maintain a healthy white, some can stain your teeth. Let’s check out a list of the food and drink items to stay away from:

a. Tea & Coffee

Tannins are present in coffee and tea. Acidic polyphenols called tannins cause discoloration and staining. Additionally, they have the potential to alter the pH balance in the mouth, hastening the deterioration of teeth after consumption.

b. Red Wine

Next on our list of everyday food items to stay away from is red wine. Its hue and tannins can discolor the enamel layer, adhere to the tooth's surface, and give teeth a darker look. 

Red wine and cheese can counteract the stain-preventing properties. Afterward, tooth brushing is also good.

c. Citric Or Acidic Fruits

Grapefruit and oranges are citrus fruits that can damage tooth enamel. Your teeth may become purple from the vinegar in soy sauce and salad dressings.

Time Taken For Food Items To Whiten Your Teeth

The time taken by certain food items to lighten teeth is unknown. On the predicted time frame, there needs to be more research. However, natural cures generally take longer than commercial ones.

It also depends on what color your teeth were originally. Interestingly, teeth whitening in Jacksonville may take longer to see the effects if your teeth are discolored. If you often consume items that discolor your teeth, the same applies.

Now You Know

Strawberries, watermelon, and dairy items can aid tooth whitening. These meals contain ingredients that have lightening effects. Papaya and pineapple also include proteolytic enzymes that break down the proteins on your teeth that cause stains.

However, simply consuming these meals won't cause your teeth to change color. Still, it's crucial to avoid foods that might discolor teeth and maintain appropriate dental hygiene.

Remember, dentists in Jacksonville, TX, also suggest using other all-natural treatments, such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, which are also an option.

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