“Eating specific foods can strengthen and naturally whiten teeth and kill toxic bacteria in your mouth,” says Melvin Pierson, DDS, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. [as published in AARP Magazine, Sept-Oct 07 issue]

To rebuild enamel

Yogurt, cheese, milk = good sources of calcium

Benefits: helps shore up tooth enamel and strengthen the one around teeth; deflects mouth acids by forming a temporary coating on teeth; helps prevent decay

Boost gum health

            Grapefruit

Benefits: aids in wound healing; decreases gum bleeding; prevents collagen in gums from breaking down and loosening around teeth

Caution: 1) Grapefruit’s acid can temporarily reduce tooth enamel strength. So wait at least ½ hour after eating grapefruit before brushing teeth. 2) Check with pharmacist re possible interactions with medications or supplements.

Bust bacteria

            Kiwis, oranges, limes, cranberries, strawberries: rich with vitamin C

            Green tea: contains catechins

            Spicy foods (e.g. wasabi): have phytochemicals

            Some herbs, such as mint and parsley

Benefits: killers of oral bacteria &/or inhibit growth of germs

Breath – smell sweeter

            Mint and parsley: contain monoterpenes

Benefits: move rapidly through the bloodstream to lungs to counter mouth odor

Stop stains

            Cauliflower, spinach, lettuce, broccoli: minerals

Benefits: create a protective film; help prevent red wine, cola, coffee stains from penetrating the enamel

            Strawberries

Benefits: have a bleaching element

            Hard, crunchy foods such as carrots, nuts, seeds

Benefits: help slough off plaque

OTHER: “Chewing raw veggies also stimulates saliva, which neutralizes acids and strengthens teeth using vitamins and minerals from the foods.”

Source:

Gina Roberts-Gray: “Dentist, Begone!” on “Navigator/Health” page: AARP Magazine, Sept-Oct07