As any cosmetic dentist can tell you, the effect of bright, white teeth on your smile and confidence can be huge. However, did you know that there are some simple things you can do to help whiten your teeth at home?
It’s all about picking the right foods to eat (and knowing which ones to stay away from). If you are looking for some natural teeth whitening methods, here are some dietary tips that could help.
What to eat
If you’re prone to sugary snacks and sweet treats, swap out your typical chocolate or lollies and opt for a piece of the humble pineapple instead. This fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a kind of natural stain remover for your teeth and even get to work on dental plaque build-up.
Anyone who’s ever eaten a handful of brightly coloured berries knows how much staining power they have – but did you know that strawberries can actually help to whiten your teeth? That’s because they contain malic acid, a natural astringent that can be effective for discoloured surface enamel.
Many times, the reason for duller-than-usual teeth is due to an accumulation of plaque, causing teeth to lose some of their natural lustre. For that reason, chewing on a handful of hard, abrasive foods such as nuts and seeds can physically rub a bit of that plaque right off.
On the beverage side of things, swilling some water in between meals will help to prevent any dark, densely-coloured food that you’ve eaten from leaving stains on your teeth.
What to avoid
Foods that have a high amount of pigment or a damaging effect on teeth can all lead to discoloured or stained teeth.
With that in mind, it’s best to try to avoid consuming too much tea, coffee, red and white wine and drinks with a high acid content.
The bright colours of blueberries, cherries, pomegranates and other types of berries can also stain your teeth if you’re not careful.
