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Posted on 6/20/2015 by Thomas Mahar |
 For years, dentists have attempted to spread the word about using other resources alongside of your toothbrush, toothpaste, and rinses. Food is another one of those great resources that can help us eliminate the stains on our teeth. Certain foods secretly act as whitening agents and can be great to grab on the go or in between brushing. Nuts. One of the great things about nuts is that a handful of them make the perfect on the go snack. They can be found in convenience stores for less than a dollar a pack. Almonds, peanuts, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts can all be beneficial to your teeth. They are awesome scrubbers because they are abrasive. They also contain protein, potassium, omega-3s, and iron to help your mouth replenish saliva. If purchasing nuts from a store, be sure that they are healthy by checking the type. However, salted and roasted might not do as good as a handful of raw peanuts, they aren't as healthy either. Carrots, Broccoli, Celery. There are many positives to vegetables, especially celery and carrots. They can act as scrubbing plaque removal mechanisms. They are coarse and high in fiber. Like nuts, the best way to eat vegetables is raw. Broccoli has calcium in it which helps keep bones strong, including your teeth. Strawberries and Apples. This fruit has a lot of great positives for your body, besides being delicious. They can be made into toothpaste due to their power of scrubbing and whitening teeth. Although I wouldn't recommend trying to make apples into toothpaste, they can help remove discolorations on the surface of your teeth. They are high in fiber, creating a removal system in your saliva for plaque. Oranges and other citrus fruits. Grapefruits, lemons, limes, and oranges all have a citrus acid in them which helps the teeth stay whiter. Although, too much of one or more of these citrus fruits can cause harm to your teeth. Once you have devoured the juicy goodness of one of these fruits, be sure to use their peels to scrub gently against your teeth. It will help remove food particles and bacteria that have been left behind. Pineapple. With the apple being beneficial to our teeth, there's no doubt that pineapple would also make that list, but for different reasons. The pineapple has bromelain, which is an enzyme. It helps to break down, or scrub away, proteins that normally would sit and stain your teeth. Pineapple can be used in deserts or eaten fresh. Lots of foods that are buildup of the same things that the foods above can do similar effects to your teeth. The best way to eat any type of vegetable or fruit is raw. Purchasing cups of fruit could hurt more than help because they contain juices that are syrupy. You will receive enough juices from the actual fruit itself. Vegetables can be dipped into something healthy. Remember that some things in condiments also can cause teeth to stain and the enamel to wear down. After eating all of these delicious foods, it is ideal to rinse them down with water. Water can also prevent stains from appearing on your teeth by diluting the pigments in stain causing foods and drinks such as soy sauce, tea, and coffee. It is recommended by dentists that you drink water with wine and coffee to help cut back on the stain causing pigments. If you cannot grab a nice glass or bottle of water, opt in to drink milk for the calcium benefits and washing effect for your teeth. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding which foods can help you scrub off the buildup of plaque, or have other dental needs, please contact our office today at (315) 766-2770. |
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