10 foods that can give you a cleaner and whiter smile

Brushing regularly is not the only way to maintain healthy teeth. The following foods can also help give you a cleaner and whiter smile!

1. Celery

Celery is rich in fiber, and chewing on celery roots can help clean your teeth. Chewing also enhances salivation, which helps balance pH levels inside your mouth and prevents tooth decay.

2. Fruits that are rich in vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps maintain healthy gums. Those who do not consume enough vitamin C on a daily basis may experience swelling and bleeding of the gums, and can also cause teeth to become looser and weaker.

3. Yogurt

Calcium and phosphates in yogurt can help balance the pH levels in your mouth to prevent cavities. Yogurt is also a rich source of calcium, which helps maintain healthy bones and teeth.

4. Green tea

Antioxidants in green tea can help prevent many different types of cancer. Those who drink green tea on a regular basis experience lower risks of cardiovascular diseases. Catechins in green tea can also help reduce cavity risk.

5. Black tea

Polyphenols in black tea can suppress the activity of bacteria in oral cavities and help prevent tooth decay and other oral diseases.

6. Onions

Sulfur compounds in onions are strong antibacterial substances. They can help eliminate many bacteria, including ones that lead to the formation of cavities. It's best to eat fresh and raw onions to help prevent cavities.

7. Shitake mushrooms

Mushrooms are great for a healthy immune system, and they are also good for our teeth. Lentinans in shitake mushrooms can suppress the formation of plaque.

8. Wasabi

Studies have shown that isothiocyannates in wasabi can help prevent the spread of bacteria which causes tooth decay.

9. Water

The easiest way to protect our teeth is to drink plenty of water. Drinking water helps to moisturize our gums and promote salivation. It can also wash away food residue on the surface of our teeth and help create an oral environment unsuitable for the spread of bacteria.

10. Sugarless gum

Chewing sugarless gum can enhance salivation, neutralize acidity in cavities and prevent tooth decay. 

SOURCE: China Daily