The best foods for white teeth

It’s no surprise that dark colored foods and drinks can stain your teeth, but did you know there are foods that can actually aid in whitening your teeth? Dr Timothy Chase, practicing partner in SmilesNY, a leading cosmetic dentistry practice, recommends filling up on teeth-whitening foods for a bright smile — and better health!
It’s no surprise that dark colored foods and drinks can stain your teeth, but did you know there are foods that can actually aid in whitening your teeth? Dr Timothy Chase, practicing partner in SmilesNY, a leading cosmetic dentistry practice, recommends filling up on teeth-whitening foods for a bright smile — and better health!

Brushing and flossing is an essential start

Dr Chase has made it his life work to not just treat his dental patients, but to also educate them so they understand the importance of healthy teeth and gums. He says brushing and flossing are essential but that they are not always enough to keep teeth shining bright. Diet plays a huge role in keeping your teeth bright. Further, the dental expert wants people to know that healthy teeth and gums goes beyond having a radiant smile.

“Some people do not realize how important it can be to take care of their teeth,” says Dr Chase, who is a 15-year veteran of cosmetic dentistry. “A healthy smile makes you look and feel better, but, dental health issues have been linked to systemic problems like heart and kidney issues and low birth weight in babies.”

Foods to eat for white teeth

“Certain foods help to remove bacteria that cause plaque which hardens into a yellowish tartar if not brushed away soon enough,” explains Dr Chase. “Crunchy fruits and vegetables work best because they function as an abrasive scrub for your teeth and stimulate the production of saliva, which helps to keep plaque from forming.”

The dental expert recommends filling up on:

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• Apples

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• Cauliflower

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• Carrots

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• Celery

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• Strawberries

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• Oranges

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• Dairy products (if you’re vegetarian)

Dr Chase says strawberries and oranges are especially useful for polishing teeth. He recommends “rubbing an orange peel or a strawberry over your teeth, followed by washing your mouth out with water.” For vegetarians, he also recommends hard cheeses because they help remove food particles, and dairy products, such as yogurt, milk and cheese, because they contain a lactic acid which may help protect teeth against decay.
 
Foods that stain teeth
 
For the whitest smile, it’s important to avoid stain-causing foods and substances as much as possible. “A simple rule: Any food which causes a stubborn laundry stain can stain teeth, too,” Dr Chase adds.

Foods that stain teeth include:

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• Coffee

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• Tea

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• Blueberries

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• Red wine

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• Soy sauce

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• Tobacco

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• Soda

Does this mean we need to give up our morning cup of coffee or stop plopping blueberries into our cereal? Not at all. “Brushing teeth or at least rinsing your mouth with water after consuming these foods is a great way to help prevent staining.”

For more information, visit SmilesNY.com.

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