A dazzling smile is guaranteed not only by toothpaste and a toothbrush. Some foods can clean teeth naturally.
As nurse Esther Gomez told Saber Vivir, finishing meals with certain foods can help maintain the whiteness of teeth, remove surface plaque, and promote gum health.
Apple
According to Gomez, biting into an apple can be considered a "cleaning" of the teeth. The firm flesh of the fruit mechanically removes plaque and gently massages the gums, while the natural acids neutralize the effects of coffee, wine, and tobacco, which can darken tooth enamel.
Additionally, apples increase saliva production, and saliva acts as a natural "rinse" for the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities.
Carrots, celery, and more
Carrots, celery, and other crunchy vegetables clean teeth of food residues and, like apples, stimulate saliva production.
Moreover, regularly including crunchy vegetables in the diet strengthens jaw muscles, improves blood circulation in the gums, and reduces the risk of inflammation.
Strawberries
Strawberries contain an acid that gives teeth a lighter shade, and xylitol — a natural sweetener that suppresses the growth of plaque-forming bacteria.
Despite their bright color, the berry does not stain enamel; on the contrary, it helps maintain its shine.
What else helps keep teeth white
Esther Gomez recommended including foods rich in calcium and probiotics (cheese, milk, and yogurt) in the diet. They are necessary to:
strengthen enamel; protect gums; restore pH in the mouth; support beneficial microflora and combat pathogenic bacteria.
Of course, proper nutrition alone will not be enough. At least once a year, one should undergo professional cleaning by a dentist, and after each meal, brush teeth or, if permissible, rinse the mouth.
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