Tooth Friendly Snacks for Summertime!

We all know that eating sweets is bad for our teeth, but what are some great snacks that will actually improve our smile and keep our teeth at their best?

“There is some truth to the saying, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’” says Dr. Judith Ko of Hemet Valley Dental Care in Hemet, California. “Apples help cleanse the tooth surface, they do this by stimulating saliva while cleaning the teeth.” Not to mention, they are also filled with nutrients our body loves.

Celery is another snack that can increase saliva flow and cleanse the teeth. “As a vegetable that is high in fiber and water content, it can counteract the effects of foods that are higher in sugar, just make sure to eat celery after,” adds Dr. Ko.

“Of course with summertime here, the best snack for your teeth and your overall health here in Southern, California is water. Water is so vital to keeping the tissues of the mouth from becoming dry and also for flushing away debris,” says Dr. Ko. As one of your TOP Dentists in the Inland Empire, she knows.

If you are wanting to whiten your teeth at the same time as having a delicious snack, think strawberries. (Read more here)

Finally, if you need a snack that can help with saliva and also work to clean the teeth, think sugarless gum containing xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sugar that can also prevent tooth decay.

Have a great summer and at the same time, remember to keep your smile bright and healthy!

Naturally Whiter Teeth

For most, our smile is what creates the first impression others have of us. Having a bright and white smile  can make all the difference. Some ideas for keeping your smile naturally whiter.

1. Brush and floss. It sounds simple - and it is. Brushing and flossing after eating or drinking will help keep your smile healthy and also whiter. Which brush is the best to use? The one you will use for at least 2 minutes each time you brush. How about floss? Also the one you will use. Not all foods stain, but by brushing and flossing you can keep the ones that do from damaging your pearly whites.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda is a natural whitener that has been used for years. Mix the two so that you create a fluid that is very thin and runny. Any grit and you may damage the enamel of your teeth. Apply to your teeth with your brush.

3. Strawberries. The latest craze has been to use strawberries to whiten your teeth. To do this, mash up 4-5 strawberries and apply to your teeth. After, rinse well.

You can find more ideas here. For some these ideas are all that are needed to get your smile back to its brightest. For others, a jumpstart may be needed. "While over the counter whitening strips are one way to lighten your smile, to really enhance your smile you may want to consider custom trays that conform to your individual smile," says Dr. Judith Ko. "Bright is beautiful, especially when it's a smile!"