Certain foods can make your teeth sparkle

White teeth are something most of us lust after. But how can you get that Hollywood smile without experimenting with expensive treatments or using abrasive bleach? Dr. Tejas Patel has tips about how certain foods could help you get there.

Anyone with a sweet (not-so-white) tooth – it will be music to your ears that dark chocolate could be the answer. Dr. Patel told Best Dentist Guide that the treat contains theobromine, which helps to harden enamel. A more robust outer layer means teeth are more protected from staining.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is one of those specific foods that can make your teeth sparkle. Eating dark chocolate in moderation can benefit your oral health because it contains flavonoids – an antioxidant. These antioxidants are known to reduce inflammation, which can help prevent gum disease and cavities. Furthermore, dark chocolate is also beneficial for its ability to increase saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria from teeth surfaces.

Try working dark chocolate, where you typically have the milk version, or an alternative sweet treat. And to be precise – milk and white chocolate, unfortunately, don’t have the same whitening effect.

Dark chocolate’s texture also helps promote healthy teeth. It’s slightly abrasive, effectively removing plaque buildup from the tooth surface without causing damage or enamel erosion like other sugary snacks.

Green tea

Health fanatics have long hailed green tea as a great way to stay happy and hydrated. And the tannins in the drink could also keep teeth from staining, as they help discourage bacteria from sticking to them. Polyphenols are also present and fight oral acid and bacteria.

Many of us are used to having coffee or breakfast tea in the morning, both known to stain teeth. Instead, try working in a green tea mug thatch contains some caffeine, meaning you’ll still get that boost you need to start the day right.

Strawberries

Strawberries are in season right now, which is excellent news, as they have many health benefits. One of these is malic acid, which helps clean stains on your teeth. You could also mash them with baking soda, says MailOnline, and use them as a natural whitening product.

If you’re keen to get your five a day, include strawberries. Eat them as they are or with low-fat yogurt for a healthy summer snack.

Cheese

Cheese is a favorite food of many people. It can be eaten on its own, melted on top of pizza, or used as an ingredient in quiches and sauces. While it may taste great, cheese also has the potential to make your teeth sparkle. Certain cheeses contain minerals like calcium and phosphorus that are beneficial for tooth enamel. Eating them regularly helps to strengthen the enamel, making your teeth look brighter and healthier than ever before.

Most of us see cheese as a guilty pleasure, but it could help your quest for whiter teeth. The naughty snack raises the pH level in the mouth, making it less acidic and preventing discoloration and tooth erosion. Calcium also helps strengthen your teeth.

In addition to strengthening the enamel, certain cheeses also help to protect against cavities. The lactic acid in some cheeses acts as an antibacterial agent by killing off harmful bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup and cavities. As a bonus, cheese stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away any lingering food particles between your teeth after meals. The result? A dazzling smile with minimal effort!

Make sure not to go overboard on the cheese, as it’s usually high in fat and calories.

Abrasive foods

Nuts, seeds, and fruit are all recommended snacks – they could do more than keep you away from the biscuit tin. Grazing on abrasive foods such as nuts, seeds, apples, and pears helps scrub plaque out and anything that might stain your teeth. The high water content of the fruits also stimulates saliva production, which is excellent for reducing bacteria.

Put slices of apple and pear and handfuls of nuts and seeds in little tubs that are easy to grab. Then take them to work or reach for them during movie night and enjoy!

Conclusion

Certain foods can be beneficial for our teeth and overall oral health. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery, and carrots helps remove plaque buildup. Dairy products like cheese and yogurt can also help strengthen enamel. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the mouth hydrated and removes food particles that can cause cavities. Foods high in sugar should be avoided as they increase the risk of tooth decay.