Kids have naturally bright smiles, but there are plenty of factors that can take their toll on white teeth even at an early age: highly pigmented foods and drinks like cola; antibiotics; trauma to the teeth; too much fluoride; and tartar accumulation. You don’t have to resort to artificial bleaching to restore bright smiles. Polish your family’s pearly whites naturally with these sensible tips from Dr. Elisa Mello, clinical assistant professor at New York University College of Dentistry.
- Avoid highly processed sugars and high-fructose corn syrup, especially sticky foods that maintain contact with the teeth for a longer period of time.
- Chomp on crunchy fruits and vegetables that produce high salivary flow and work like tiny toothbrushes to help scrub away stubborn stains over time. Crunch on apples, carrots, pears, guavas, cauliflower and cucumbers.
- Dark green vegetables like broccoli, lettuce and spinach create a barrier on teeth that prevents stains from recurring and can help scrub away stubborn stains over time.
- Sip through a straw to protect your teeth from stain-makers like cola.
- Sports drinks, energy drinks and fitness waters contain organic acids known to break down calcium.
- Ask your dentist for more tips about naturally whitening your family’s teeth.
