I’m sure many of you have spent hundreds to thousands of dollars on trying to achieve a brighter, whiter, healthier smile. But did you know your key to pearly white choppers could be sitting right in your refrigerator?
Below is a list of 10 super foods that can help whiten your teeth and protect your gums. Who knew achieving a healthy smile could be so delicious?
- Pineapple- Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which helps to break up plaque on the teeth and naturally remove stains. By removing plaque, you are helping to protect your teeth from enamel erosion and dental caries.
- Ginger- If you’re at risk for developing periodontal disease, stock up on the ginger! Not only is ginger a great way to add some flavor to your dinner, but it also helps keep inflammation in the mouth and body at bay. Gum disease is an inflammatory process that can cause bone and tissue loss. If you think you may be at risk for gum disease or you know you have it, please contact the Michigan gum disease specialists at 248-357-3100 or visit their website at www.drnemeth.com for more information on periodontal disease.
- Carrots- Filled with vitamin A, eating these orange veggies raw promotes saliva in the mouth which naturally cleanses the mouth and teeth.
- Basil- Basil contains essential oils which naturally reduce bacteria in the mouth.
- Cheese- The calcium and phosphorus contained in cheese helps to remineralize the teeth by buffering the acids in the mouth.
- Sesame Seeds- Think of these seeds an exfoliator for the teeth. By chewing them, you may help to scrub away plaque that has accumulated on the teeth!
- Shitake Mushrooms- Eat these to keep oral bacteria at bay.
- Onions- Eating onions may help reduce bacteria in the mouth and prevent tooth decay. Eating them raw is key because if you cook them, you will destroy the beneficial sulfur compounds.
- Salmon- For healthy teeth and bones, make sure you are getting enough calcium! Salmon contains calcium and Vitamin D; both of which are good for your teeth.
- Broccoli- Broccoli is filled with iron which helps protect the teeth from acids which cause decay and erosion.
While eating a balanced and nutritious diet is important and is vitally important in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, sometimes diet alone is not enough. Visiting a dentist or periodontist routinely is also important to keep gum disease at bay. Joseph R. Nemeth DDS & Associates are great periodontists in the Detroit area and are always accepting new patients. Please visit their website for more information.