Keeping your teeth healthy is just as important as maintaining a healthy body. However, there are some people who not only want healthy teeth, but also whiter teeth. What you eat or drink can directly impact the whiteness of your teeth. Drinks like coffee or even lifestyle habits like smoking can yellow or discolor your teeth, but don’t worry. There are also foods to eat for whiter teeth. So, if you want to brighten your smile naturally, check out these six best foods to eat for whiter teeth.
6. Oranges
Starting our list of foods to eat for whiter teeth is oranges. Instead of the fruit, the peel is more valuable when it comes to tooth health. While the rest of the orange is acidic, the orange peel is not, and contains vitamin C variants that can be used as an alternative to teeth whiteners. Wash the peel first before rubbing the white, inner part of the peel across your teeth to help minimize plaque and tartar buildup.
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5. Apples
Fifth on our list of foods to eat for whiter teeth are apples. Eating an apple a day may keep the dentist away, too. Since apples are a crunchier fruit, they function like a natural abrasive scrub, cleaning your teeth as you chew on them. They also contain a high concentration of malic acid, which is often found in certain types of toothpaste. The acid promotes extra saliva, helping remove and prevent future tooth stains.
4. Strawberries
Next on our list of foods to eat for whiter teeth are strawberries. Even though strawberries are red and may look like they will stain your teeth, the opposite is true. Strawberries contain malic acid, which works like a natural astringent, taking away tooth surface discoloration. You can add these to salads, desserts, cereals, or even mash them on your toothbrush to whiten up your teeth a little.
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3. Broccoli
Rounding out the top three best foods to eat for whiter teeth is broccoli. Instead of cooking the vegetables, eat the crunchy raw florets of broccoli. As you chew into the pieces, the nutritional florets act like a toothbrush and clean your teeth naturally. Broccoli also has high levels of iron, which coats your tooth enamel and protects against things like harmful bacteria, stains, and acid erosion. It’s the perfect blend of nutritional food and natural teeth whitener.
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2. Cheese
Second on our list of foods to eat for whiter teeth is cheese. Cheese is rich in calcium, protein, and phosphorus, all of which protect against mouth acids. Phosphorus and calcium also help remineralize and repair your teeth. To increase the health benefits, choose low-fat cheese when brightening your smile, to reduce your saturated fat intake, and to protect your heart health.
1. Pineapples
Last but not least on our list of the best foods to eat for whiter teeth is pineapples. The fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which works like a natural stain remover and whitens your teeth naturally. Bromelain helps break up plaque, that pesky bacterial film that accumulates on the surface of your teeth. Plaque bacteria can potentially erode tooth enamel, but you can lower this risk by eating some pineapple slices and keeping that smile nice and bright.