A bright white smile is a goal shared by almost everybody. That’s why people come to dentists like Absolute Smile for cosmetic dentistry services, such as teeth whitening.

However, your dentist isn’t the only one who can help you keep your teeth a nice, bright white. Healthy teeth start at home. That means your dental hygiene routine, but it also involves the diet you eat. 

You likely already know that several foods can harm your oral health. However, many foods can actually strengthen and whiten tooth enamel due to the nutrients they contain. If you want to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile, incorporate more of the following foods into your diet.

1. Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it also helps to keep your teeth shining bright. Apples contain malic acid, a nutrient that acts as a natural bleaching agent for your teeth. Plus, apples help to scrub away stains and remove bacteria from your teeth. Just be careful when biting into hard apples, especially if you wear an orthodontic device such as braces.

2. Strawberries

Like apples, strawberries are a helpful fruit when it comes to white teeth. They also contain a substantial amount of malic acid. Snack on some strawberries to keep your smile healthy.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli keeps your teeth and gums in great shape, thanks to its high levels of calcium and vitamin C. Plus, broccoli has plenty of iron, which can further help strengthen your enamel.

4. Carrots

Carrots require a good amount of chewing, helping to clean off teeth. Plus, they have vitamin A, which is critical to keeping your gums healthy and strengthening your tooth enamel.

5. Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt

All three of these dairy products contain large amounts of calcium and phosphorus, both of which contribute to strong enamel. Eating cheese can also promote saliva flow, which again is beneficial to your entire mouth.

6. Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms have a compound called lentinan that fights back against bacteria that leave plaque on your teeth. 

7. Tea

Coffee might give you that boost you need in the morning, but it can, unfortunately, leave stains on your teeth. On the other hand, tea can fight staining and keep your teeth white. Black and green tea contain fluoride, which helps repair tooth enamel and keep tooth decay at bay. They also have polyphenols, which can kill bacteria in your mouth.

8. Water

Lastly, there’s water. Water might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to keeping teeth shiny, but it’s quite powerful. Water helps to wash away food debris and stain from your teeth. Plus, drinking water encourages saliva production which keeps your mouth healthy and helps maintain white teeth.

If you’d like to restore your smile’s bright white luster, Absolute Smile can help you out. We offer expert teeth whitening services at our Philadelphia office. All new patients get a free consultation, too. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your smile.