Oklahoma City: Foods that Whiten Teeth
There are many foods out there that have been said to whiten teeth, but most of them contain acids that can wear away tooth enamel and make your teeth more sensitive in the long run, thus weakening your teeth and actually making them darker instead of whiter. Instead of those acidic foods for whiter tooth enamel, focus on eating foods that won’t stain your teeth so that you can keep your teeth whiter, longer. Learn how to naturally try and keep your teeth white and about OKC teeth whitening options.
Drinking Water Helps Keep Teeth White
Water is a natural cleanser and rinses away food after meals or between snacks. Drinking water helps keep teeth whiter by preventing staining from food and drinks if you’re able to sip on it (or rinse your mouth) right after you’re indulging in something potentially stain-causing. Plus, water helps keep your mouth healthy by washing away bacteria. So drink up!
A Note About Lemons, Strawberries, and Baking Soda
Lemons, strawberries, and baking soda are all popular methods for DIY whitening teeth that you can find on websites like Pinterest. However, while these methods may seem to work in the short term, they are not ideal for long-term tooth health. Lemons are acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time, while strawberries can stain teeth if used too frequently. Baking soda is abrasive and can also damage tooth enamel or dental work.
When you erode the outer layer of tooth enamel, it initially looks much, much whiter. This is why people claim rubbing lemons or strawberries on your teeth makes them look brighter. It does. But if you keep doing it, all of that acid erosion makes your enamel thinner, which exposes more of the darker yellow layer (dentin) under your enamel. It’s counterproductive and harmful to your oral health. Don’t do it!
Which Foods NOT to Eat if You Want White Teeth
There are a few foods that are known for causing the worst tooth stains. Coffee, tea, and red wine are all notorious for staining teeth. If you can’t give them up entirely, try to drink them in moderation and rinse your mouth out with water after to minimize contact with your teeth. Curries, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar can also cause staining, so use them sparingly. Anything tomato based, like pasta sauce, can also stain tooth enamel. Consider switching it out with alfredo. If it stains a white shirt, it will stain your teeth.
Straw, Please!
You love your morning coffee and your nightly glass of wine, but you’re worried about the stains they’re leaving on your teeth. Luckily, there’s a simple way to limit the contact of staining particles on your teeth: drink through a straw! It might not be the most normal thing to do with some drinks, but if you’re sipping on iced tea or the occasional soda, using a straw will help those stains zip straight past your front teeth.
Reserve a Consultation Today
Contact our Oklahoma City cosmetic dentist today to find out which professional teeth whitening system will get your smile its brightest!
