Our teeth serve obvious and fundamental purposes, designed to bite and chew food as well as elevating our communication by contributing to speech and enunciation. Beyond only function, the appearance of teeth plays a substantial factor in determining a person’s aesthetic and ultimately- their level of confidence.- a Whiter Smile
Boasting a smile with a radiant white complexion has been, and always will be, an undeniable beauty standard which all genders, cultures, and people strive towards. In order to gain a whiter smile, there lies a variety of professional and store-bought options which millions utilize annually. Ranging from drugstore toothpaste infused with teeth whitening elements, or professionally performed teeth whitening.
Many patients mustn’t search too far to find tools capable enough of effectively brightening their smiles. That’s right, the food we consume does play a significant role in determining the colour of our teeth. If you’re not too keen on undergoing professional teeth whitening, you’d be curious to learn about the different foods scientifically proven to whiten your smile over time if properly introduced into your diet and lifestyle.
What Exactly Makes Teeth Whiter?
First things first, it’s worthwhile understanding exactly how teeth become whiter as a process.
Our teeth’s colour is determined by their outermost layer- the enamel. Acting as a shield, encasing the more sensitive areas below, the enamel is naturally white in hue. When smiles begin to display yellow tones, it’s an indication that the enamel is wearing and becoming weaker, and the layer beneath (the dentin) is beginning to show through. Furthermore, many substances like coffee, tobacco, wine, and acidic foods and soft drinks, notably stain the enamel’s surface and alter the surface’s complexion.
Substances known to whiten teeth, like whitening strips, and specific tooth pastes, contain elements within them with powerful oxygen molecules. As these molecules touch the surface of the teeth, they react by breaking apart the chemical bonds which constitute the stained areas, effectively bleaching away the discolouration.
The foods we’re about to discuss contain similar vitamins and elements which act similarly to the aforementioned process, effectively strengthening enamel and disintegrating stains.
The Super-Whitening Foods
For those of us seeking incremental changes instead of the drastic transformative qualities of professional teeth whitening, integrating these foods into our regular diet will prove to slowly brighten our smile in a completely natural approach!
Strawberries
This red berry may be infamous for staining clothing, but ironically celebrates the opposite effect in regards to our teeth. Strawberries contain an enzyme named malic acid, which acts as an organic bleaching agent capable of brightening up enamel. Consuming strawberries is also linked to an increase in saliva production, and a wet mouth is a safer place which is void of an excess in bacteria and plaque polluting the shade of the smile.
We suggest mashing up strawberries into a paste-like consistency, and then rubbing it along your teeth. Leaving this tooth mask on for about five minutes is ideal, and after rinsing it away, don’t forget to brush and floss!
Baking Soda
While not necessarily a food, this is a product that most pantries will always contain stock of. A 2008 study noted the effectiveness of baking soda in particular toothpaste brands, as those which contained it proved more capable of whitening teeth than brands without it.
In order to best try this method, try searching for toothpaste brands which consist of baking soda in its ingredients. It’s even recommended, once in a while, to brush your teeth with baking soda right out of the box!
Cheese, Milk, & Yogurt
Dairy, in its many forms, notably contains lactic acid. This element assists in protecting teeth against decay, and contributes positively to the oral anatomy’s ecosystem as a whole. Yogurt is also thought to have specific proteins which bind to teeth, making them less vulnerable to harmful acids and bacteria notorious for causing cavities.
Hard cheeses, such as parmesan, are composed of a texture which contributes to stain removal while stripping away food particles and debris. Dairy is also very calcium rich, and calcium is celebrated as an enamel strengthener- remember, a more durable enamel guarantees a whiter smile!
Apples, Carrots, & Celery
These healthy ingredients are staple foods located in almost every kitchen year-round! Similar to strawberries, their consumption significantly improves saliva production, enhancing your smile’s self-cleaning process. When biting their crunchy exterior, your teeth receive a hefty scrubbing which helps rid unwanted stains. Additionally, carrots and celery in particular are rich in vitamin A, which is linked directly to a stronger enamel.
As previously stated, these methods are not transformative procedures, those patients which seek a more systemic approach should consult with one of our dental professionals to consider our trusted professional teeth whitening service! The colour, or health, of teeth will not improve overnight through sporadic activities, to ensure optimal results, it’s recommended to embrace these natural methods at a consistent and healthy pace over time!
