Foods That Brighten Tooth Enamel

Stained or discolored teeth can cause you to feel self-conscious or concerned. If the cause of the staining is external, such as pigmentation from foods, beverages, or tobacco, rather than being internal or age-related, then there are ways to reduce the staining and brighten the enamel of your teeth at home.

While teeth whitening products are now easily available and professional treatments at a dentist’s are accessible, you may prefer a more natural solution. Keep reading to learn more about foods that brighten tooth enamel and contact Dr. Hu at Fay Hu General Dentistry in Winter Park, Florida, for professional teeth whitening solutions.

Foods That Help Brighten Your Teeth 

Certain foods are known to help brighten the teeth. As with most natural remedies, the process is slow but worth trying.  

Here is a shortlist of items found in most kitchens that you can use to whiten your teeth: 

• Watermelon has a high level of malic acid, known to reduce stains on teeth. It also helps increase saliva production, which in turn protects teeth from decay and discoloration.
• Strawberries contain malic acid, too. 
• Pineapple contains bromelain, a  proteolytic enzyme that helps break down the layer of salivary protein covering the teeth called the pellicle. Although the pellicle is a protective layer, it is prone to absorbing pigment and discoloring the enamel.
• Papaya contains papain, another proteolytic enzyme that works on the pellicle.
• Milk and yogurt contain lactic acid and casein, both of which have bleaching properties. The calcium and phosphorus in dairy also help strengthen the enamel, keeping plaque and cavities at bay.
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots are high in fibrous cellulose that acts as a dental scrub, cleaning the teeth naturally. 
• Nuts and seeds play a similar role. Chewing nuts and seeds also stimulates the production of saliva, which cleanses the teeth of food debris.
• Water, while not a food, has a significant role in keeping dental pigmentation at bay. Swishing water in the mouth after having pigment-heavy foods washes away the pigment.
• Baking soda, although not a food, has bleaching and mildly abrasive properties that make it a popular at-home teeth whitening solution.

If you want to brighten your tooth enamel and want more rapid results, call Fay Hu General Dentistry at (407) 647-3223 or visit us at 800 West Morse Blvd, Suite 3B, Winter Park, FL 32789.