Foods That Whiten Your Teeth

By Jane Farrell

We love the look of pearly whites. But constant bleaching isn’t just costly, it can cause mild to severe pain. If you overdo it, the chemical can eat away at your tooth enamel. The good news is that certain fruits and vegetables can help make your teeth sparkle naturally. Check them out and you might be able to skip some bleaching treatments.

OPT FOR ORANGES AND PINEAPPLES Increase your mouth’s production of saliva by enjoying juicy citrus fruits. Saliva washes away foods that stain, like coffee, soda and red wine.  Bonus: The acid also contains enzymes that kill bacteria that cause tooth decay — and bad breath.

DO DAIRY   Yogurt, milk and hard cheeses like cheddar contain lactic acid, which may help protect teeth against decay. Researchers think proteins in yogurt may bind to teeth and prevent them from attack by harmful acids that cause cavities. Dairy is also loaded with calcium, which guards and strengthens bone that holds teeth in place. Plus, chewing hard cheese creates saliva that helps remove food particles that stain.

GO FOR THE CHEW Crunchy foods and vegetables like cauliflower, apples, celery and carrots work to whiten teeth by acting as abrasive.These foods actually scrub your teeth. Think of them as a natural toothbrush.They also stimulate saliva, which helps keep plaque from forming.

You can also avoid stain-causing foods. Hint: Any food that causes a stubborn laundry stain can discolor teeth, too: Think red wine, tea, coffee, blueberries, and soy sauce. Of course, tobacco is a big offender. If you can’t get to a toothbrush or drink water, chew sugarless gum to remove stain-causing particles.