Have you ever tried eating your way to a whiter smile? Dr. Allen of Allen Orthodontics in Ottawa, ON 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. 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. And broccoli has minerals that form a film on teeth so pigments from other foods won’t stain them.

As for drinks, Dr. Allen recommends staying away from anything that stains a white shirt—like coffee, tea, cola or red wine—because they can also stain your teeth. Try to cut back on these drinks, and remember to rinse your mouth with water when you're finished. 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. Try to wait 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 oral health please don't hesitate to contact Dr. Allen at 613.228.4000, or stop by Allen Orthodontics when and if you are in the Ottawa, ON area. Keep smiling!