4 Foods To Help Boost Your Teeth Whitening Efforts
Posted on: 15 August 2016
In-office whitening treatments are a great way to brighten your smile, as they can remove years of stains from your teeth in a short period of time. However, it's up to you to maintain these results. There is a lot of talk about what foods you should avoid after having your teeth whitened, but what about the foods you should have? There are a number of food selections that can actually help improve your oral health and maintain your whitening results.
Pineapples
Incorporate pineapples into your diet. Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that offers a number of health benefits, including inflammation reduction and allergy protection. However, bromelain is also found in a number of whitening products. Although not as effective as an actual whitening treatment, when the bromelain comes in contact with your teeth it can help remove some surface staining. If you don't want to eat pineapples, an all-natural pineapple juice should also contain this ingredient.
Almonds
Most staining occurs when stain-producing food bacteria and plaque remain on your teeth for an extended period. Almonds are a slightly abrasive food. When you eat almonds, they can serve as a scrubbing tool that helps remove bacteria and plaque to keep the surface of your teeth cleaner. In addition to aiding your teeth whitening efforts, almonds can also help you in your weight loss efforts as they can make you feel full and satisfied without all the extra calories.
Dairy Products
Dairy products serve a dual purpose when it comes to your teeth. First, dairy products are high in calcium. Calcium helps strengthen your teeth's enamel. This is important because the weaker your enamel, the more prone it is to staining. Second, dairy products contain high levels of lactic acid. Lactic acid helps protect your teeth against decay. Decay doesn't just put the health of your teeth at risk, but it can also cause yellowing.
Crunchy Vegetables
Load up on crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots. Crunchy vegetables have increased levels of malic acid. Malic acid causes the body to increase saliva production. Similar to the abrasiveness of almonds, increased saliva helps clean the teeth and remove the built-up bacteria and plaque. For the best results, try to eat these vegetables raw. Fresh vegetables also contain a number of other nutrients that are great for your oral health.
Make sure you are eating with your oral health in mind, and talk to a cosmetic dentist like those at Advanced Dentistry of St. Charles to ensure long lasting whitening results.
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