What you eat can have a dramatic effect on your smile. Not only do sugary and acidic foods weaken your enamel and contribute to dental decay, but the right foods can also benefit your teeth and provide whitening effects. Here are five foods that contribute to a beautiful, white smile your dentist will love.

Foods for Teeth Whitening

Dairy

Milk and cheese are some of the top choices for strengthening your smile. Not only are they rich in calcium, which is necessary for strong enamel; dairy products also help increase saliva production, which is your body’s natural way to clean your teeth.

Citrus

Citrus fruits are another food which encourages saliva production and helps rid your mouth of bacteria. Just be careful not to eat too much citrus — the acid can be dangerous for your enamel.

Nuts

A healthy assortment of nuts is a great way to add protein to your diet, but they’re also good for cleaning your teeth. These hard foods rub against your teeth as you chew, helping scour away plaque.

Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables

Apples, carrots, celery, and similar crunchy foods are one of the best options for tooth health and color. Like nuts, they clean your teeth as you eat, and they also tend to be high in vitamins and minerals which replenish your enamel.

Dark Chocolate

Cocoa helps fight against gum inflammation and gingivitis, which can be a serious threat to tooth health. While these benefits might be counteracted by the sugar in milk chocolate, dark chocolate is an excellent choice to keep your teeth healthy and shining.

If you want the brightest smile possible, it’s time to start avoiding staining foods and adding healthy choices to your diet. Limit your coffee, tea, soda, and red wine consumption, and focus on this assortment of positive choices recommended by your dentist. Revercomb Dental Group in Manlius, NY, has been family-owned and -operated for 44 years, and continues to provide the high standard of care it has since its opening. When you visit this dentist and oral surgeon, you’ll have access to a full range of care from dental exams to dental implants and TMJ treatment. Book your appointment now at (315) 682-8400 or online.