Teeth Whitening: Foods To Eat and Foods To Avoid

The secret to teeth whitening is seldom to be found in the produce section of your local grocery store. While natural remedies will always have their place in society, having whiter, brighter teeth can be done much more efficiently through the use of cosmetic medical products designed specifically for that purpose. Some are sold over the counter, but better solutions are available through a dentist. Still, there are things you can do with your diet that will contribute to getting better results from these products. Here are some of the foods you should eat, and the ones you should avoid.

One of the main things to remember when embarking on a teeth whitening program is that some foods are known for their propensity to cause staining. These are the foods you may wish to avoid if you’re serious about getting results. Red wine is a big killer. So is soy sauce, believe it or not. Coffee and tea are two of the worst liquids out there when it comes to leaving dark stains on the teeth. Now, does this mean you should never drink these items? It depends. If you are strict about brushing your teeth after each consumption, it may not make much of a difference. But few people are dedicated enough to follow this plan each time they have a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine. 

While not a food, smoking and using tobacco of any kind can also lead to stains. A teeth whitening program is often embarked on by those who have smoked in the past, or are still smoking. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can leave a yellow film behind that is unlikely to come off through brushing alone. Keeping up with a regular regimen of professional teeth cleanings can prevent some of this long term staining, but few people will be able to escape it altogether. 

As surely as there are foods that can lead to staining and discoloration, so there are foods that can help retard the process. Dentists often recommend eating crunchy fruits such as apples, which can lead to the development of saliva in the mouth, washing away bacteria that can form plaque. Plaque tends to harden into yellow tartar when it stays on the teeth for too long. Apples, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables also provide fiber which can serve as a benefit to the appearance of the teeth.

Beyond the diet, keeping up with a regular brushing and flossing regimen is the technique most advised by dentists when their patients inquire about a teeth whitening program. When the patient wants to take it to the next level, specific products, toothpastes, strips, and professional dental applications are advised. Using a combination of both good hygiene, the right foods, and a good program can lead to whiter teeth.