First it was Atkins, then it was South Beach, now it’s the White Smile Diet

The following article appears at: http://www.aacd.com/press/releases/2006_06_27.asp

June 22, 2006 - Madison, WI - The most unattractive thing about a smile are discolored teeth, according to a recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) consumer poll. And the numbers prove it! Whitening treatments are the number one requested cosmetic dental procedure and have increased more than 300% since 1996, according to the AACD.

“While daily home care and regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth,” said AACD President Dr. Marty Zase. “Foods such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, cauliflower, and cucumbers produce saliva which combines with the foods’ natural fibers to naturally clean teeth and remove bacteria.”

White Smile Diet Foods and Tips include:

• Strawberries will naturally whiten your teeth.
• Lemons will lighten and brighten too (just as they naturally “bleach” your hair, they can do the same for your teeth)!
• Avoid drinking coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine and blueberries. All stain teeth quickly.
• Drink from a straw whenever possible…allows food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.
• Baking soda will help remove stains and build up. Brush it on your teeth twice a month, just as you would toothpaste, and rinse.
• Raw veggies are not only healthy to eat, but they will clean your teeth and remove surface stains.
• The mechanical action of chewing sugarless gum can also stimulate saliva and clean teeth surfaces, though not recommended for patients with TMJ.