With whitening toothpastes, at-home-kits, bleaching trays and laser lights, there are countless ways to brighten your pearly whites.
But while some may work wonders, each option has its pros and cons, and sometimes the cost of that Hollywood smile can result in gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to take your smile from dull to dazzling, then it may interest you to discover that many foods, while simultaneously being delicious, can also help prevent tooth decay and fight stain-causing bacteria from building up.
So without further ado, here are the the top five foods for a brighter smile!
You can be sure Kate eats plenty of these to get her dazzling smile!
1. Cheese
This delicious wonder food is giving us plenty of reasons to say cheese!
Lactic acids found in certain cheeses will help guard teeth against tooth decay, while minerals such as calcium and phosphorus will help keep your chompers strong.
A study published in the journal General Dentistry also discovered that hard cheeses, such as gouda and cheddar, increase the mouth’s saliva production, lubricating teeth and providing protection against build up.
2. Strawberries
While strawberries are high in sugar, munching away on a handful can help remove discolouration, leaving you with pearly whites.
The berry contains malic acid, a compound also found in toothpastes which helps to remove stains and promote saliva production.
As an added bonus, the vitamin C found in the little gems will also help prevent gum inflammation!
High sugar food and drinks will eat away at your tooth’s enamel, causing them to lose their brightness.
3. Broccoli
Instead of steaming, munch away on a few uncooked florets. The crisp texture can act as a natural toothbrush in removing debris and polishing the tooth’s surface.
A recent study, published in the European Journal of Dentistry, also found that the high level of iron present in the cruciferous veggie has the ability to form an acid-resistant coating on your pearly whites.
This barrier acts as a defence against acidic foods like soft drinks and from eroding the enamel surface which would otherwise result in stains and cavities.
4. Apples
Apples don’t just keep the doctor away, turns out they have a one-up on dentists too!
Like strawberries, apples also contain malic acid, but it’s their high-water content combined with their crunch that helps scrape plaque off your teeth and wash away debris, preventing stain-causing bacteria from settling.
Try these delicious chilli prawns with green apple salsa from our friends at Food To Love!
5. Raisins
You may be surprised how anything so sticky and sweet could possibly help your oral health.
A compound called oleanolic acid, found in Thompson seedless raisins, was recently found to prevent the growth of two types of oral bacteria; Streptococcus mutans, which results in cavities, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes periodontal disease.
So next time, say “raisins” when that camera flashes!
Check out Kylie Jenner’s surprising new food obsession in the video player below!
