How your diet maintains your oral health while keeping pearly whites
Have you ever heard the saying ‘you are what you eat’? Well, in this case, you are also what you drink, and boy oh boy, do our teeth know it! Just like a supermodel diet, what you put in your mouth can greatly impact your appearance, especially the dazzling shade of your pearly whites.
See, our diet has a direct effect on our oral health, from the strength of our enamel to the whiteness of our teeth. That’s right folks, it’s time to say goodbye to that daily coffee fix and hello to a healthier, whiter smile. So, grab a pen and paper, and let’s take notes on what foods and drinks to embrace, and what to avoid, for a brighter, healthier smile.
Buying home whitening kits are only 1 side of the coin for reaching a gleaming white smile. Your colour shade will degrade over time and additional whitening treatments are needed however the length of time in between treatments is directly affected by the items we consume.
This topic has only become more and more popular as a global obsession with white teeth is more prevalent, you can read about this on our blog.
Foods that promote a whiter smile
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and veggies, the dream team for oral health! These crunchy, low-sugar powerhouses are not only packed with vitamins and minerals, but they also contain natural whitening agents like malic acid.
By munching on fruits and veggies, you’re effectively scrubbing away surface stains, keeping your teeth healthy, and promoting a brighter, whiter smile.
So, next time you’re tempted by that bag of chips, reach for an apple instead.
Dairy products
Dairy, it does a smile good! That’s right folks, milk, cheese, and yoghurt are not only great for strong bones, but also for a healthy, whiter smile.
The calcium in dairy products helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to staining and decay. Plus, the lactic acid in some dairy products can help to remove surface stains.
You can even use dairy alternatives for instance, almond milk, soy milk etc. None of these products naturally stain your teeth.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds, the unsung heroes of teeth whitening! These crunchy snacks are packed with vitamins and minerals that help to keep your teeth and gums healthy, promoting a brighter, whiter smile.
Nuts and seeds are also low in sugar, which helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay and staining. Plus, the crunchy texture of these snacks helps to scrub away surface stains.
Nuts & seeds are the go to food which will help with cravings, use them as a replacement for any sugary snacks you currently eat and your smile will thank you!
Teas and waters
Tea and water, the dynamic duo of hydration! These beverages are not only great for your overall health, but also for your pearly whites.
Tea, especially green and black tea, contains polyphenols that have been shown to help reduce the risk of staining and tooth decay. Water, on the other hand, helps to keep your mouth hydrated and washed of any surface stains.
So, next time you’re reaching for a sugary drink, grab a cup of tea or a glass of water instead. Your teeth and dentist will thank you!
Foods to Avoid
Starchy and sugary foods
Starchy and sugary foods have a significant impact on oral health and the appearance of teeth. These high-carb, high-sugar foods can increase the risk of tooth decay and staining, making teeth look dull and yellow. Additionally, the sticky texture of these foods can cling to teeth, making them difficult to remove.
To maintain a bright, white smile, it’s best to limit the consumption of starchy and sugary foods and opt for healthier alternatives, such as fruit.
Dark-coloured beverages
Dark-coloured beverages, such as coffee, tea, and wine, can also have a negative impact on oral health and the appearance of teeth.
These beverages contain pigments that can cling to teeth and cause staining, making them look dull and yellow. Additionally, the acidity in some of these beverages can erode tooth enamel, making it even more susceptible to staining.
To maintain a bright, white smile, it’s best to limit the consumption of dark-coloured beverages and opt for water instead.”
Tobacco products
Tobacco products, such as smoking and smokeless tobacco, can have a serious impact on oral health and the appearance of teeth.
These products can cause staining, making teeth look dull and yellow. Furthermore, smoke from these products can cause bad breath and increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
There are a million reasons to stop smoking, to keep a bright, white smile is only 1 of them, it’s best to avoid tobacco products and choose healthier alternatives, such as chewing gum.
How diet affects the shade of your teeth colour
Saliva’s role and its impact on teeth colour shade
Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and the appearance of teeth. Saliva is a natural cleaning agent that helps to neutralise harmful acids in the mouth, wash away food particles, and provide essential minerals to the teeth.
However, saliva can also impact the whiteness of teeth. For example, if there is an imbalance in the levels of certain minerals in saliva, such as calcium and phosphorus, this can lead to tooth discoloration. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can reduce saliva production, leading to a dry mouth and increasing the risk of tooth decay and staining.
It’s important to maintain a healthy level of saliva in the mouth to promote oral health and a bright, white smile. Drinking plenty of water, chewing gum, and avoiding certain medications and medical conditions that can reduce saliva production can help to maintain a healthy level of saliva overall.
How food and drink can cause tooth discolouration
Food and drink can have a significant impact on the appearance of teeth, causing discoloration and staining. Certain food and drink items, such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and dark sauces, contain pigments that can adhere to tooth enamel, causing staining and discoloration.
In addition, highly acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and sports drinks, can erode tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to staining. Starchy and sugary foods, such as candy and cookies, can also increase the risk of tooth decay, leading to discoloration.
To maintain a bright, white smile, it’s important to be mindful of the types of food and drink consumed. Limiting the consumption of dark-coloured and highly acidic food and drinks, and opting for healthier alternatives, such as water, fruit, and vegetables, can help to prevent tooth discoloration and promote oral health.
At Euro White we often get asked how long do our teeth whitening treatments last and the answer quite often can vary massively depending on external factors, a majority of these factors are the daily items we consume.
To a better diet & a brighter smile!
In conclusion, maintaining a white smile is as simple as making a few dietary changes. Just think, you could be one apple away from a Hollywood grin! So, say goodbye to coffee-stained teeth and hello to a smile that will make the Tooth Fairy blush. Who knew eating well could be so much fun? And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some extra fruit and cheese? So, let’s raise a glass of sparkling water to a brighter, whiter smile!
It is also important to incorporate a good teeth whitening kit every 6 months to maintain an extremely white smile, we recommend Crest Professional Effects as the best whitening kit on the market. Using this product Bi-annually and keeping an eye on the items you consume is a sure fire way to have an amazing white smile all year long.
To keep up to date with all the latest teeth whitening news, visit our blog with plenty of health tips and advice
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