Eating nutritious foods will strengthen your teeth and gums. You might aware of the necessity to maintain a balanced diet that comprises foods, grain, fruits, veggies for optimum oral health. Aside from such best foods and drinks that fortify your teeth, some edibles can naturally clean your teeth.
Keep in mind that the organic compounds, abrasive texture (of certain vegetables) can scrub off the stains on teeth. Moreover, they are efficient to stimulate saliva which is a natural cleanser so that keeps your teeth pearly as well as healthy.
Here are a few snacks which clean your teeth and are commonly recommended by dentists also.
1) Apple
Apple is a power-packed source of Vitamins C, K, fiber, potassium. Moreover, apple peels contain organic compounds like epicatechin, phloridzin, catechin, etc. Similarly, it contains simple sugar so that eating apples will not increase the rise in blood sugar levels which are associated with various dental problems like cavities, gum diseases, etc.
As the fruit is composed of water and carbs, it stimulates saliva whereas the fiber contents will cleanse the teeth. On the other hand, acidic substances such as chlorogenic acid take care of killing the microbes responsible for bad breath.
2) Carrot
Similar to eyes, Vitamin A in carrots is helpful in building teeth enamel. The major constituents of carrots include water, crude fiber, carbohydrate, proteins along with Vitamins A, B, and K1.
The high level of fibers in carrots provides plenty of oral health benefits like increased salivary production. They are also powerful to scrub plaque deposits and stains on teeth.
On the other hand, carrots protect your gums and promote a stronger jaw. In simply, carrot is a natural tooth cleanser and safeguards your oral cavity in every possible way.
3) Garlic and Onion
You might feel embarrassed with the aroma of onion but it takes care of killing harmful oral bacteria to keep your mouth clean. Researches show that the sulfur compounds (thiosulfonates & thiosulfinates) in onion are powerful to avert plaque build-up.
In essence, chewing a raw onion and some garlic cloves will keep your teeth and gums far away from bacteria.
If you worry about the unpleasant aroma emitted by onion and garlic, chew xylitol or sugar-free chewing gum.
4) Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach are essential for a healthy body. Surprisingly, they have many oral health benefits especially cleaning your teeth naturally. For instance, the iron compounds in Broccoli form a thin film to protect the enamel layer of your teeth. Meanwhile, its abrasive texture will scrap away the mild discolorations on teeth.
Similar to apples and carrots, the leafy greens also contain fibrous compounds so that chewing the leafy greens like spinach, celery, broccoli and others will promote more salivary flow.
5) Shitake Mushroom
Shitake Mushroom is a nutritional & delicious edible that can boost your immune system and strengthen the teeth as well as your bones. It contains a kind of sugar called lentinan which can prevent the oral bacteria from thriving in your mouth so that it keeps the teeth clean and whitish.
Bottom line
Aside from the fruits and veggies we discussed here, fluids like water, milk, clove oil (recommended for oil pulling) also hold the essential organic compounds to whiten your teeth.
Even though the edibles we explained help whitening the teeth, it does not mean that they can replace the brushing and flossing activities. You should maintain your oral hygiene activities and indulge these edibles as a part of your diet to add value to your dental care routine.
FAQs
Garlic can help whiten teeth due to its antibacterial properties, particularly the compound allicin, which reduces bacteria that cause plaque and stains. To use garlic for whitening, crush a fresh garlic clove and apply the paste gently on your teeth for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Avoid overuse to prevent enamel damage and bad breath.
Garlic is beneficial for teeth whitening indirectly by fighting harmful bacteria that cause plaque buildup, which can discolor teeth. Its antibacterial sulfur compounds help maintain oral hygiene, contributing to a brighter smile over time when consumed raw or used as a topical paste.
Mix crushed garlic with a small amount of salt to create a paste. Apply this mixture gently on your teeth and leave it for a minute or two before rinsing well. Salt acts as a mild abrasive to remove surface stains, while garlic’s antibacterial properties help reduce bacteria. Use sparingly to avoid enamel erosion.
Yes, onions are good for teeth because they contain antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds that help kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. Chewing raw onions can strengthen teeth and reduce plaque formation, promoting oral health despite their strong odor.
Carrots help whiten teeth naturally by breaking apart plaque due to their fibrous texture. They also stimulate saliva production, which cleanses the mouth and neutralizes acids. Additionally, carrots are rich in vitamins like A and K1 that strengthen gums and enamel.
Clean baby teeth by brushing gently with a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as teeth appear. Use small circular motions and avoid rinsing with water after brushing to keep fluoride effective. Establish a routine to get the baby accustomed to oral hygiene.
Garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial properties that help reduce plaque-causing bacteria. While it may not remove plaque mechanically like brushing, garlic can inhibit bacterial growth and thus help prevent plaque buildup and related dental issues.
Lemon juice can whiten teeth due to its acidic nature, which helps break down stains. Apply diluted lemon juice to teeth for a short time, then rinse thoroughly to avoid enamel erosion. Use lemon sparingly and never as a sole whitening method to protect tooth enamel.
To avoid coffee stains, drink coffee quickly rather than sipping slowly, use a straw to minimize contact with teeth, rinse your mouth with water after drinking, and maintain good oral hygiene by brushing regularly. Regular dental cleanings also help prevent staining.
Crush a garlic clove to release allicin and apply the paste directly to the painful tooth or gum area. Garlic’s antibacterial and analgesic properties help reduce pain and fight infection temporarily until professional dental care is available.
Cloves contain eugenol, a natural antiseptic that can help reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth. While cloves primarily relieve toothache and prevent cavities, their antibacterial effect may contribute to maintaining whiter teeth by reducing plaque and decay.
Maintain strong, white teeth by eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots, practicing good oral hygiene with fluoride toothpaste, avoiding staining foods and drinks, using natural antibacterial agents like garlic or cloves occasionally, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings.
Using garlic directly on teeth or gums can cause irritation or a burning sensation due to its strong compounds. Overuse may damage enamel or soft tissues. Garlic’s strong odor can also cause bad breath. It should be used cautiously and not as a substitute for professional dental treatment.
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