4 Natural Foods to Safely Whiten Your Teeth: Expert Advice

Introduction

Regular brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing cavities and bad breath. However, many people are now turning to professional teeth whitening and home whitening options to achieve a brighter smile.

Natural Teeth Whitening Alternatives

Dr. Khaled Kassem, chief orthodontist and co-founder of Impress Clinic, suggests incorporating certain foods into your diet as a safer alternative to chemical tooth whiteners.

Cheese

According to Dr. Kassem, cheese contains nutrients with bleaching properties. Dairy products, like cheese, are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which not only strengthen teeth but also whiten tooth enamel. Eating plenty of dairy products after teeth whitening treatments can help restore and strengthen tooth enamel.

Strawberries

Strawberries can help reduce plaque in the mouth, a major factor in causing cavities. They contain malic acid, which is found in some toothpastes and known for its whitening properties. Strawberries are also high in xylitol, which attacks bacteria that cause plaque.

Cauliflower

Dr. Kassem recommends eating rough vegetables like cauliflower to brighten your smile. When you eat these types of vegetables, it takes longer for them to break down and be chewed, increasing saliva production. Saliva helps remove superficial stains on teeth and acts as a natural antiseptic.

Apples

Apples neutralize acidity in the mouth, leading to increased saliva production. Chewing apples not only helps protect teeth but also gets rid of plaque. Apples are also high in malic acid, which reduces superficial stains on teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening Services

While natural alternatives can help whiten teeth, Dr. Kassem recommends using professional teeth whitening services. It is important to check the ingredients of any home teeth whitening kit before purchasing. Some online kits contain dangerous amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which can harm gums and cause tooth loss. Over-the-counter kits should contain no more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide.

Source: Express