Most of the time, foods are associated with staining or discoloring your teeth. However, there are some foods that can actually help you have a whiter and brighter smile. Dr. Renee Corbitt, the Fort Worth dentist, wants you to know that in addition to effective brushing and flossing—as well as regular checkups with Dr. Corbitt and her staff—a healthy and well-balanced diet can help you enjoy a whiter smile and healthier gums. Let’s take a look at five foods that contribute to a white smile.
Cheese and Milk. Dairy foods, such as cheese, milk and yogurt, can help protect tooth enamel, the first line of defense against cavities. These foods promote saliva production, which helps to neutralize decay-causing acids that are excreted by bacteria in the mouth. Moreover, just as the calcium, phosphorous and protein in dairy foods strengthen bones, they also strengthen enamel.
Apples. When you bite into an apple, the skin and the flesh act like scrubbers, removing debris and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. Apples also have a high content of malic acid, which can help remove stains and increase the production of saliva.
Seeds and Nuts. These lightly abrasive foods can help to rub teeth free of plaque and stains that can dull your smile. Munching on cashew, pecans and almonds in the afternoon can be a healthy pick-me-up because of their protein content, and because they can help keep your teeth white.
Fish and Flax. An important component of a beautiful smile is healthy gums. With gum disease, bacteria can collect in gum pockets, leading to inflammation and ultimately tooth loss. Fish, fish oil and flaxseed are all high is omega-3 fatty acids, which can be helpful in reducing inflammation. In addition, the nutrients in these foods can increase your resistance to infection and sickness, including the bacterial infection of gum disease.
Broccoli. This fiber-rich vegetable is helpful in reducing inflammation and infection in your mouth and gums. And just like apples or seeds and nuts, eating raw broccoli can cleanse the surfaces of your teeth.
Proper Brushing and Flossing
In addition to foods that clean your teeth and help keep them white, effective brushing and flossing are important, too. Be sure to brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle against your teeth and gums and be sure to brush all of the surfaces of your teeth—inside, outside and the biting surfaces. A good brushing should last from two to three minutes. To remove plaque from between your teeth, floss every night. When you remove plaque, you also remove the bacteria that can lead to decay as well as gum disease.
So, bon appétit! Eat for your health and for the whiteness of your smile!
Call Our Office Today
To maintain your healthiest and whitest smile, be sure to schedule regular dental checkups every six months with the Fort Worth dentist, Dr. Renee Corbitt. We also conveniently serves patients in Arlington, Richland Hills, Forest Hill and Haltom City and throughout the DFW Metroplex.