Yellow and stained teeth are not only unsightly but also prone to causing oral problems. Here are 7 foods that can whiten your teeth.
1. Celery
When you chew celery, it's giving your teeth a deep clean, reducing your chances of getting cavities. This is because, "the fiber in these foods acts like a broom, sweeping away some food particles from your teeth," experts explain. On the other hand, the more you chew, the more it stimulates saliva production, balancing the pH level in your mouth for a natural antibacterial effect.
Stir-fried Celery with Cashews
2. Guava
Want to keep your gums healthy? Chewing on a guava is another great way. Guava is low in calories and is often eaten by people on a diet to increase satiety. It also boasts the highest vitamin C content among fruits. Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient for maintaining gum health. A severe deficiency can make gums fragile, leading to diseases, symptoms of which include swollen or bleeding gums, and loose or falling teeth.
3. Cheese
Calcium and phosphate can balance the pH level in the mouth, preventing the oral environment from becoming acidic and favorable for bacteria, which causes cavities. Regular consumption can increase calcium on the tooth surface, helping to strengthen and rebuild enamel, making teeth more solid.
4. Sugar-free Gum
It can increase saliva secretion, neutralize acid in the mouth, and further prevent cavities.
5. Mint
Mint leaves contain monoterpenes, which can enter the bloodstream and reach the lungs, leaving you with a fresh feeling when you breathe.
6. Water
Drinking an adequate amount of water keeps gums moist and stimulates saliva production. After eating, drinking water can wash away leftover food particles from your mouth, denying bacteria the nutrients they need to cause damage to your teeth.
7. Green Tea
Green tea contains a large amount of fluoride which combines with the hydroxyapatite in teeth to have an anti-acid and anti-cavity effect. The catechins in green tea can reduce the *Streptococcus mutans* bacteria that cause cavities in the mouth, and can also eliminate bad breath.