Foods That Whiten Your Teeth

Foods That Whiten Your Teeth

The saying that you are what you eat is quite famous but we can twist it a little bit to suit health teeth hence what you chew determines your teeth. Research has shown some foods to offer protection against harmful bacteria besides cleansing and brightening teeth. Dentists have also reported that teeth and gums are a reflection of the health condition of a person. Contrary, other foods and alcohol have a negative effect on teeth mostly leading to discoloration or teeth yellowing.
Truth be told, no one wants to have yellow or discoloured teeth since a smile creates a great impression besides boosting a person’s self-esteem. The following foods have been shown to lead to healthier, brighter and whiter smile:
Pineapples
Pineapples contain an important enzyme that is responsible for teeth whitening. Besides being a natural stain remover, the enzyme bromelain is important in breaking plaque that forms on the teeth surface due to accumulation of streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria produce enamel eroding acids thereby leading to dental caries that are detrimental to your health.
Ginger
Ginger is important due to its anti-inflammatory effects that lead to health tissues of the mouth. Periodontal disease is one disease that can be controlled by consumption of ginger. This disease results in destruction of the bone and associated tissues of the mouth resulting in weak connective tissues. Ginger can be used as a food spice in addition to offering anti-inflammatory support.
Carrots
 Carrots are rich in vitamin A which is essential for healthy enamel; a major part of the tooth. These foods need to be consumed raw since they stimulate saliva which has natural mouth cleansing properties.

Basil
Basil has been shown to have antibiotic properties that kill the harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria accumulate resulting in production of acids that destroy teeth. Basil contains essential oil, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid and linalool that hinder the growth of bacteria in the mouth by depriving them of the necessary nutrients for growth.
Cheese
Just like any other product of the milk family, cheese contains high great amounts of calcium, phosphorus and proteins that neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. Remineralization or repair of the teeth is also made possible by calcium and phosphorus. However, do not consume the fat rich cheese since they contain non-heart friendly saturated fats that may lead to complications of the heart.
Sesame seeds
Research has shown that these seeds have scrubbing properties on the teeth. This is important since the harmful plaque is removed. In addition, sesame seeds and other nuts are rich in calcium which has teeth strengthening properties.
Shitaki mushrooms
 These types of mushrooms are rich in a bacteria inhibiting compound called lentinan that protects the teeth.
Onions-Yes, these are the commonly used ingredients and research has shown that they are rich in bacteria inhibiting compounds such as thiosulfonates, thiosulfinates and a myriad sulfur compounds. The onion family also has garlic which is rich in sulfur compounds. However, it’s advisable to eat them raw since heat from cooking destroys the important products hence rendered useless.
Salmon
Salmon is rich in calcium and vitamin D provision. This is important for healthy bones including the teeth
Broccoli
Broccoli is common ingredient that has teeth protection properties. Broccoli is rich in iron which creates a barrier that is resistant to degradation by acids hence protecting the enamel of the teeth.