Have you ever tried eating your way to a whiter smile? Dr. Robert Bryan of Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics in Hamburg, PA says that you can start whitening your teeth right in the kitchen! Over time, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth white for they trigger your mouth to make saliva which washes away food particles so they can’t stain teeth. For example, strawberries have an enzyme that acts like natural bleach, while broccoli has minerals that form a film on teeth so pigments from other foods won’t stain them.
As for drinks, Dr. Bryan recommends staying away from anything that can stain your Invisalign® clear aligners, i.e., coffee, tea, cola or red wine, because they can also stain your teeth. Noteworthy, going back to wine, white wine is not a better substitute for red. White wine can wear away enamel causing long-term damage, and the damage can be made even worse if you brush right after drinking since the outer covering is weakened. If you do drink white wine try to wait a half an hour before brushing.
Here’s a list of the best food and beverage choices for the health of your mouth:
- Acidic foods (these should be eaten as part of a large meal to minimize the acid from them)
- Chicken (or other meats)
- Dairy products
- Firm, crunchy fruits
- Nuts
- Unsweetened tea
- Vegetables
- Water (especially fluoridated water)
If you have any questions or concerns about your Invisalign® and/or your oral health please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Bryan at 610.562.5185, or to stop by Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics when and if you are in the Hamburg, PA area. Lastly, remember to always remove your aligners before eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
