Dr Alex George reveals best time to brush your teeth
Regular brushing and flossing will help keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay and bad breath.
However, in recent years many people have also been looking for ways to brighten their smiles, by whitening their teeth.
While there are both professional and at-home options for teeth whitening available, there are some other ways to help remove stains.
Dr Khaled Kasem, chief orthodontist and co-founder at clinic Impress, spoke with Express.co.uk about “more natural” methods to whiten your teeth.
Specifically he recommended adding four foods to your diet to do so.
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Cheese
Certain nutrients found in cheese have whitening properties, Dr Kasem said.
He commented: “It’s a well-known fact that dairy products are a rich source of calcium and vitamin D, which not only strengthens teeth, but whitens the enamel, too.
“In fact, when undergoing whitening treatment at Impress, we always advise patients to snack on lots of dairy afterwards to help with the recovery and to strengthen the enamel on their teeth.”
Strawberries
These berries could also help reduce plaque in the mouth – a key factor in causing decay.
“Strawberries contain malic acid, which can be found in some toothpaste,” Dr Kasem said.
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“Malic acid is known for having bleaching properties, therefore can help towards removing discolouration.
“Strawberries also contain a high amount of xylitol, which is responsible for attacking the bacteria that causes dental plaque too.”
Cauliflower
Eating coarse vegetables such as cauliflower is a great way to brighten your smile, said Dr Kasem.
He added: “When you consume these types of vegetables, it will often take longer to break down and chew, therefore increasing the amount of saliva that is produced.
“The saliva will help to remove any superficial stains that you have on your teeth and act as a natural cleanser.”
Apples
According to Dr Kasem, apples are “acid-neutralising.”
“This means the more you chew, the more saliva you produce, therefore serving as a protector of the teeth, in addition to eliminating dental plaque,” he added.
“Just like strawberries, apples also contain high amounts of malic acid too, therefore they are great to reduce surface stains on your teeth too.”
If you are still considering using chemicals to brighten your teeth, Dr Kasem recommended using a professional service if possible.
“It’s important to check the ingredients of any ‘at-home’ teeth whitening kit before purchasing,” he warned.
“Some of the kits sold online contain dangerous levels of a bleaching chemical, called hydrogen peroxide, that can burn gums and cause tooth loss.
“When buying kits over the counter, make sure they contain no more than 0.1 percent hydrogen peroxide.
“If you’re serious about teeth whitening, then it’s best to see a professional, as most dentists will be allowed to use six percent of hydrogen peroxide, leaving you with better results, and a smile that is five times brighter.
“Not only will you get better results, but it’s also much safer and you will also receive the appropriate aftercare too.”
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