Inspired by TasteOfHome.com Cheesy Vegetable Bake
5 Types of Foods That Naturally Whiten Your Teeth!
Tea and coffee might be your best friends in the morning, though we’re well aware that these beverages can easily stain our teeth. But not all food has negative consequences for our pearly white smiles. In fact, certain foods can actually whiten your teeth, bringing a whole new meaning to clean eating. Our team is here to tell you how! No. 1: Apples, celery, and carrots Chewing crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots helps scrub your teeth and increases your production of the natural self-cleaning agent, saliva. Some toothpastes also contain a high concentration of malic acid, which also increases salivation and helps clean teeth and remove stains, according to a study from the University of Grenada in Spain. It may also help kill bacteria that cause bad breath. No. 2: Pineapple As the only food that naturally contains bromelain — a group of enzymes with stain-removing properties — it’s no surprise that pineapple made it on this list! Recent research published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene showed that bromelain is an effective ingredient in stain- removing toothpastes. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties.
To keep your teeth pearly white while still enjoying a good meal, try making this cheesy vegetable bake brimming with carrots, broccoli, and two types of cheese.
Ingredients
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2 cups carrots, thinly sliced
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups broccoli florets
3 eggs
1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, grated
2 cups milk (2% preferred) 1/4 cup butter, melted
6 cups egg bread, cubed
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 325 F and grease an 11x7-inch casserole dish. 2. Fill a saucepan with 1 inch of water. Add a steamer basket to the pan, then put the carrots and broccoli in the basket. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the vegetables and steam them for 3-4 minutes. 3. Whisk the eggs, milk, butter, spices, and salt together in a large bowl. When they’re combined, add the vegetables and Gruyere. Then add the bread. 4. Pour the contents of the bowl into the baking dish, then sprinkle the Swiss cheese on top. 5. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30–35 minutes. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy! Take a Break
DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE We hope these tips help and maybe even surprise you. Check out our recipe on this page for one delicious way to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Keep smiling! No. 5: Water Don’t forget water! Your saliva needs it. In addition to drinking water, eating water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber will help you stay hydrated and keep your smile beautiful. No. 3: Broccoli You probably know this superfood is great for your body, but did you know it can also improve your dental health? The European Journal of Dentistry has found that eating raw, crisp broccoli can help clean and polish teeth. The iron it contains can also provide protection against enamel-degrading acid that’s produced by bacteria. Broccoli not only helps clean your teeth, but it’ll help prevent stains and cavities, too! No. 4: Cheese This is a no-brainer when you think about it: With essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, it’s no surprise that cheese is good for your teeth. But did you know the protein in cheese can help protect tooth enamel, too? Plus, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the lactic acid found in cheese helps fight tooth decay.
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