Foods That Help Whiten and Strengthen Teeth

If you are on a mission to have white, bright healthy teeth you’ve probably invested in a variety of whitening products like whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, professional teeth whitening or at home whitening kits. Did you know that your diet plays a big role in the color and health of your teeth? Most people know about the foods that typically stain teeth like colas, sports drinks, wine, coffee, tea and tobacco. However, there are foods that can help whiten and strengthen your teeth naturally, not to mention they are good for you to boot!

A diet filled with firm and crunchy produce such as carrots and celery is a good idea on a number of health fronts. First off these vegetables require ample chewing. Chewing stimulates saliva which neutralizes the acids and enzymes in your mouth that damage tooth enamel. Firm crunchy produce can be abrasive in a good way, acting like a natural tooth brush to remove plaque and harmful bacteria.

Raw cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale contain glucosinolates. The American Institute of Cancer Research reported that this sulfur and nitrogen containing compound wards off cancer tumors in the mouth and digestive tract. In addition to the aforementioned health benefits, the increased saliva production from chewing these types of veggies makes them equally good for teeth and gums.

If cheese brings a smile to your face you’re in luck! With an abundance of calcium, phosphorus and minerals, cheese is great for your teeth. Calcium and phosphorus play an important role in rebuilding tooth enamel. Like cheese, salmon contains a great deal of enamel building phosphorus and Vitamin D which encourages calcium absorption.

Spinach, kale, lettuce and Swiss chard are a great source for enamel building magnesium. Leafy greens have very low acidity levels so they are in no way harmful for your teeth. Fruits that are fiber rich like apples have a scrubbing effect on teeth that helps remove plaque from teeth. Apples contain malic acid which is proven to remove surface stains from teeth. Believe it or not, strawberries can actually help whiten teeth. Strawberries are packed with Polyphenols which help suppress bacteria growth inside the mouth and on teeth.

Next time you feel like your teeth need a boost, shop for some fresh organic fruits and veggies and sit down to some cheese and crackers!