The Dental Diet: The Secret to a Bright, Beautiful Smile!

When you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror or see your smile in a photo, do your eyes automatically go to your discolored teeth? If so, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, a recent survey found that a whopping 80% of Americans want whiter teeth. While your initial thought may be to reach for your toothbrush more often to combat discoloration, there is one simple, but important, pillar of good oral hygiene that is overlooked time and time again: your diet. Keep reading to learn how the foods you eat impact the look of your smile!

The Link Between Food & Your Oral Health

For decades, dentists have urged their patients and the public to limit their consumption of products that are high in sugar, like soda and candy. That’s because sugar turns into enamel-eroding acid when it interacts with the bacteria in your mouth, significantly increasing your risk of tooth decay. However, sugary treats are by no means the only culprits of cavities! To start, peanut brittle, pretzels, and other hard foods have the potential to crack, chip, or otherwise damage your teeth. Sticky ingredients, like caramel, also pose a risk since they are difficult to wash away. Lastly, chewing on ice, smoking, and other unhealthy dental habits can wreak havoc on your oral health.

Popular Teeth-Staining Products to Avoid

A good rule of thumb to follow is: if it’ll stain your shirt, it’ll stain your teeth. Therefore, try limiting your consumption of dark-colored drinks, like coffee, soda, and red wine. When you do indulge, make sure to use a straw and wash it down with plenty of water. Foods that are rich in color (i.e., marinara sauce, blueberries, etc.) can leave behind stubborn stains as well. To protect your pearly whites, implement a solid oral hygiene routine, including brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily.

Mouth-Healthy Foods to Choose Instead

Now that we’ve discussed what not to eat, let’s talk about all the foods you can fill your plate with. A great place to start is with vitamin-rich, nutrient-dense fruits and veggies. In addition to building a healthy smile from the inside out, snacks like raw celery and crisp apples act as natural toothbrushes by scrubbing away lingering food particles and plaque. Plus, their fibrous nature stimulates your saliva flow, which in turn washes away sugars and neutralizes the acids in your mouth. Additional plant-based foods that are beneficial for your teeth include leafy greens, strawberries, and even broccoli.

Dairy products are another great addition to your diet since they strengthen your bones and teeth. Items like milk and yogurt have the added benefit of being white, which helps prevent discoloration as well. Other foods that are popular in the “white diet” include white rice, chicken (white meat), bread, and tofu.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Whether you recently started noticing stains on your teeth or have been struggling with pigmented discoloration for years, it’s important to remember that your dentist is your greatest ally when it comes to all of your smile-related needs. To start, they can provide you with meticulous, refreshing teeth cleanings that clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, polish your teeth, and prevent discoloration from developing in the future. Next, they can discuss professional teeth whitening treatments, which are far superior to any over-the-counter options you’ll find at your local store. In fact, with their customized applicators and powerful brightening agents, your dental team can lighten your smile up to eight shades in a single visit! So, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist if stubborn stains and unpleasant discoloration are stopping you from smiling confidently.