Bright pearly whites start with proper dental hygiene and routine dental checkups, but did you know there are also natural ways that you can whiten tooth enamel?

It’s true!

Eating certain foods can actually assist with whitening your teeth naturally.

Check out this list of seven foods and drinks that you can (and should!) include in your diet to polish your tooth enamel without even trying.

Strawberries

Not only do they taste good, but strawberries also have a high malic acid concentration that is often found in certain kinds of toothpaste. Malic acid is a natural astringent and it can help remove any discoloration on the surface of your teeth.

However, it is important to remember that strawberries also contain citric acid which can weaken tooth enamel if you aren’t careful about when you brush. You should always wait at least 30 minutes after consuming any acidic foods before brushing your teeth.

Apples

Crunchy fruits and vegetables can actually scrub away plaque and bacteria, stimulate saliva production and provide a good source of vitamins and minerals that can strengthen your teeth. 

Celery and Carrots

Apples’ crunchy vegetable counterparts, both of which reap the same benefits by removing plaque and bacteria!

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens contain folic acid, or vitamin B9, a necessary vitamin for cell growth and repair. This can help reduce inflammation in the gums and make the teeth more resilient to plaque and bacteria. 

Cheese

Cheese contains a high amount of calcium which can strengthen your tooth enamel and bones. Snacking on cheese also gets you a serving of casein, a protein that plays an important role in repairing tooth enamel. Chewing cheese can also increase the production of saliva which helps keep the mouth clean and free from bacteria. 

Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing gum can help stimulate saliva production which helps to neutralize and rinse away acids that form in your mouth when food breaks down. Try chewing on some sugar-free gum between meals and snacks for an extra boost to your optimal oral health!

Water

Saliva contains 99% water and is an essential part of good dental health. Saliva helps keep your mouth clean, protects tooth enamel, and prevents tooth decay. It is also better to consume water over sugary drinks that can actually damage your tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. 

Baking Soda 

Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can help scrub away plaque from the tooth’s surface and eliminate tooth discoloration. If you ever find yourself without toothpaste and in need of a good brushing, mix baking soda and water to create a paste and apply it to your toothbrush. Brush away!

Looking for a brighter, healthier smile? While these natural remedies for brightening tooth enamel are great, you still need that dental checkup every six months.

Schedule your next appointment with our office today!