Can Food Really Brighten Tooth Enamel?

Have you ever wondered if the foods we eat have an effect on our tooth enamel? It turns out that the answer is yes! In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the potential of certain foods to help brighten and improve tooth enamel. From yogurt to apples, find out if there is any truth behind the claim that food can really help with your teeth whitening goals. So buckle up, because we’re about to take a deep dive into whether or not food can truly brighten your tooth enamel.

What is Tooth Enamel?

Before we get into the specifics of which foods can brighten your tooth enamel, let’s first take a look at what tooth enamel actually is. Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects them from damage and decay. It is composed of hydroxyapatite crystals and proteins which make it extremely strong and durable. However, over time, it can become stained or even worn down by acidic foods, sugary drinks, and other harmful substances. This is why it is important to ensure your teeth stay clean and healthy through regular brushing and flossing.

What is the main function of enamel?

Enamel protects your tooth from damage. Specifically, it protects the innermost layers of your tooth — the dentin and tooth pulp — from:

• Tooth decay (cavities).
• Erosion (wear and tear).
• Infection.
• Teeth sensitivity (to heat, cold and sweets).

Types of Tooth Stains

There are two main types of tooth discoloration:

• Extrinsic discoloration: This type of discoloration affects the outer surface of your teeth (enamel). Exposure to certain environmental factors — like some foods and beverages — causes extrinsically discolored teeth.
• Intrinsic discoloration: This type of discoloration starts inside your tooth and affects your dentin (the layer underneath your enamel). Causes include dental trauma and certain medications.

Can Food Really Brighten Tooth Enamel?

Now that we understand what enamel is and the types of discoloration, let’s get to the million-dollar question: “Can food really help brighten your tooth enamel?” The answer is yes! Certain foods can actually help remove extrinsic stains from your teeth — restoring a brighter, whiter smile. Here are some common examples:

• Yogurt: Yogurt is considered a probiotic food, meaning it contains healthy bacteria that can help fight off bad bacteria in your mouth. The lactic acid found in yogurt helps to remove surface stains from your teeth, leaving them looking brighter and whiter.
• Apples: Apples are also rich in lactic acid which can help brighten tooth enamel. Additionally, they act as a natural toothbrush, scrubbing away plaque when you bite and chew them.
• Strawberries: Strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid which can help lift surface stains from your teeth — giving them a brighter appearance.
• Almonds: Almonds are a great source of calcium which is essential for strong and healthy teeth. Additionally, the crunchy texture helps to scrub away plaque and other surface debris from your teeth.

Other Stain Removal Options

At Stonebrook Family Dental, we offer patients both in-office teeth whitening services and at-home systems that provide whitening power for a slightly longer period of time. Each option offers a unique set of benefits. You can also choose to practice a combination approach of both at-home and in-office whitening treatments. Dr. Varley and his experienced staff will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment during your teeth whitening evaluation.

In-Office Whitening

In-office whitening treatments produce immediate, noticeable results. Depending on which in-office whitening treatment you choose, you can expect to see a 5-10 shade difference in just 20-60 minutes. The following in-office whitening options are offered at Stonebrook Family Dental:

• LED whitening. This technique is used every 6 months at your regular dental exam visit and is considered a maintenance procedure that will whiten your teeth 1-3 shades in just 20 minutes. An LED accelerated light is used to help achieve that whiter smile in no time.
• Boost System by Ultradent. If you want to drastically change your smile in one hour, you can use the Boost System by Ultradent. Boost is a chemically activated power whitening gel that provides brighter, whiter teeth after just 40-60 minutes in the dental chair. The powerful 40% hydrogen peroxide gel is chemically activated, and doesn’t require light to work. Using the unique double-syringe configuration, our whitening team activates the 40% hydrogen peroxide formula just prior to application, and will ensure every dose of Boost is fresh and effective.

At-Home Whitening Kit

If you want to achieve significant teeth whitening results in the comfort of your own home our custom trays and UltraDent™ whitening gel are the perfect solution. The take-home whitening system is the preferred choice for many patients because:

• Custom-made mouthpiece fits perfectly and can be worn day or night
• UltraDent gel secures your mouthpiece to your teeth so you get uniform results
• Potassium nitrate and fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, decreases tooth sensitivity, and prevents dehydration
• At-home teeth whitening is a comfortable and can be used whenever you have free time

Although the time frame can vary with the custom tray method, most people see whiter teeth in 2-6 weeks.

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you’re looking for a brighter, whiter smile, visit Stonebrook Family Dental. Our experienced team will help you find the best teeth whitening plan for your individual needs. We offer safe and effective options that can restore your smile to its brightest potential. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today!