Keeping your teeth white and healthy boosts self-confidence, encourages you to smile more often, and contributes to better health. Besides regular visits to the dentist, there are a few easy dietary choices that will help keep teeth looking their best. Follow these do’s and don’ts for a dazzling smile.

Do:

Enjoy strawberries.

Strawberries are perhaps nature’s best cleaning agent. They contain malic acid, which is an enzyme that whitens teeth. Incorporate these into your diet, but stick with fresh berries. Jams, juices, and frozen berries may contain added sugar, which contributes to tooth decay. Fresh strawberries still contain natural sugar, so continue to eat them in moderation.

Eat crisp vegetables and fruit.

Crisp, crunchy fruits and veggies help keep teeth white. Apples, celery, cauliflower, and carrots stimulate saliva production, which washes away the colored materials that stain teeth. Their natural fibers also clean the surface of your teeth as you chew, resulting in less plaque buildup.

Snack on cheese.

Dairy products, such as cheese, contain lactic acid and protein, which protect teeth from decay. While yogurt and milk contribute to healthy enamel, hard cheeses are the best for whitening. Their texture cleans the surface of teeth while you chew, resulting in less plaque buildup and decreased risk of stains.

Don’t:

Overindulge in red wine.

You may have noticed the grayish-red stain on your teeth after enjoying a few glasses of red wine. While that staining may be temporary, the acids present in red wine can damage the enamel of the teeth and cause more stubborn discoloration over time.

Drink excessive amounts of coffee, tea, and sugary drinks.

Black coffee and tea will stain teeth a yellowish color over time. Both are acidic, and they erode tooth enamel. Additionally, sweetened coffee drinks, sports beverages, and soda are acidic and contain excessive sugar, which promotes tooth decay and discoloration.

Binge on dark berries.

Blueberries, blackberries, and other dark berries contain compounds that stain teeth, whether they are consumed whole or in juice or jam. Brush your teeth after eating these fruits, and consider pairing them with a hard cheese, which will scrub away stain-causing compounds in the berry juice before they set in.

 

Simple dietary choices can help keep your teeth whiter. It’s still important to maintain regular appointments with your dentist, cleanings, and teeth whitening to keep your smile bright. Main Street Dental, serving La Crosse, WI, offers preventive and restorative dentistry, teeth whitening, same day crowns, and more. Their staff serves patients of all ages, which makes scheduling appointments easy for families. Visit the website to learn more about their services, and call (608) 784-4063 to make an appointment.