Everybody loves food! No matter what kind you like, you’re probably somewhat aware of the impact that your diet can have on your body. You may already eat health-conscious items, but did you know that some of these foods can affect your smile’s appearance? In fact, there are certain foods that cause yellowing and staining, while others can actually help your smile! This is important information to know, especially if you’ve just received teeth whitening in San Ramos. Keep reading to learn the diet do’s and don’ts for white teeth.
Friends of White Teeth
Whether you just received teeth whitening and want to extend your results, or you just want to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile, these foods can help:
- Fiber-rich fruits and veggies: Foods with fiber naturally help keep your teeth and gums clean by producing saliva flow. Your saliva plays an important role by washing away plaque and bacteria that buildup on the smile.
- Various dairy products: Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products not only produce saliva, but they also contain calcium. This special ingredient can help remineralize your teeth, making them stronger.
- Foods with fluoride: Most tap water contains fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that fights against cavities. You should drink tap water instead of bottled water and eat any foods containing fluoride to give your smile an extra boost of protection.
- Sugarless gum: Sugarless gum is another great way to produce saliva and wash away plaque that causes stains.
Foes of White Teeth
Certain foods and drinks can affect your teeth by causing discoloration, yellowing, staining, decay, and more. Avoid these items to keep your smile glistening:
- Sticky or hard candy: Hard or sticky candy can cause serious discoloration and decay because they stay in contact with your teeth for longer periods of time. This helps the bacteria in your mouth interact with plaque, which creates acid that causes yellowing.
- Carbonated soda or energy drinks: Soft drinks and energy beverages contain incredibly high amounts of sugar, putting your white teeth at risk of discoloration and decay.
- Starchy foods that get stuck in your mouth: Soft breads, pastries, and even potato chips can get stuck in between teeth, putting you at risk of yellowing.
- Anything that dries out your mouth: Alcohol found in drinks or mouthwash will dry out your mouth, allowing a higher risk of tooth decay. And, while it isn’t a food, you should also avoid tobacco use to protect your pearly whites.
Are you ready to keep your teeth healthy and happy? Use these tips from your dentist in San Ramos to maintain a beautiful smile for any occasion.
About the Dentist
Dr. Rashpal Deol is an experienced dentist who takes great pride in boosting his patients’ confidence with teeth whitening. He understands that white teeth are the best accessory you can wear to social events, interviews, meetings, and more, which is why he wants you to know some tips on how to keep your smile beautiful. He currently practices at Oak Ridge Dental, and he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (925) 735-6190 for any questions.
