Apples keep gums strong and help prevent bacteria from growing in your mouth.
You know about the substances that stain your teeth, such as tea, coffee and red wine, but what about the common foods that can actually brighten or clean your teeth while you eat? Check out this list of natural dental health foods you can indulge in between visits to the dentist.
Strawberries The malic acid in strawberries acts as an astringent to remove any surface-level tooth discoloration. Eating the berries is not enough. You need to mash them up and rub them on your teeth. Leave the mixture on for five minutes then rinse with water before your regular brushing and flossing routine.
Apples Biting into a crisp apple strengthens the gums. The high water content increases saliva in the mouth, dispersing bacteria that can lead to both plaque and bad breath.
Pears A pear is a great way to neutralize odor-causing or staining bacteria in the mouth. This sweet fruit also increases saliva production, which helps to wash away debris in the mouth, leaving teeth cleaner and brighter.
Cheese Dairy products contain lactic acid, which helps protect teeth against decay. Hard cheeses are especially great for teeth whitening because they help remove food particles from the surface of the teeth.
You'll still need to follow a regular brush and floss routine to keep your teeth in tip-top shape, but substituting these great tooth-friendly foods for candy, pretzels and chips will help not just your teeth but your whole health.
