So, you’ve just had your teeth whitened, and your smile has never looked brighter. But how do you keep it that way? Well, you’re in luck! After teeth whitening, there are certain foods that can help you maintain your dazzling results. If you’re curious about whether any of your favorite snacks made the list, continue reading. You’ll learn the best foods to munch on to keep your smile glowing long after you leave the dentist’s chair!
Try Crunchy Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables with a crunch, like apples, carrots, and celery, are basically nature’s toothbrushes. These fibrous foods stimulate saliva production and gently scrub the surfaces of your teeth as you chew them! This not only removes plaque and pigments that can stain your pearly whites but also helps defend them against cavities.
Dare to Dairy
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen tooth enamel and keep your smile looking bright. Cheese, in particular, contains casein, a protein that can help reduce enamel erosion and even promote remineralization of your teeth. As a bonus, eating cheese after chowing down on acidic food and drinks can help neutralize acids that can cause stains.
Lean Into Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, like spinach, kale, and lettuce, are not only good for your health but can also help you keep your smile sparkling. These nutrient-rich greens contain folic acid, which promotes healthy gums by preventing inflammation. In addition, their high fiber and water content helps wash away any lingering food particles that could discolor your teeth.
Pick Pineapple and Strawberries
Pineapples and strawberries are two tasty treats that address toothy tarnishing. Pineapple is the only food that contains bromelain, an enzyme that has been shown to help remove surface stains from teeth. Strawberries are rich in malic acid which breaks down the pigments on the surface of teeth so they can be washed away. So, with the occasional snack on either of these two fruits (or both!), you can keep your smile bright.
Keeping your teeth whitening results doesn’t have to be difficult. By incorporating these smile-friendly foods into your diet, you can keep your teeth white and healthy. Just remember not to exclude brushing and flossing from the equation. With the right diet and a commitment to good oral hygiene, your bright smile will continue to shine!
About the Author
Dr. Christopher Capehart is a talented and passionate dentist who loves helping his patients achieve smiles that light up a room. He earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class. Today, he offers high-quality cosmetic dentistry that can brighten your smile and your life! Call (972) 436-1325 to schedule a teeth whitening consultation at Capehart Dental or visit our website to explore other services.