Parsley and Other Ways to Brighten Your Smile

At St. Pete Smiles we know that many patients are concerned about bad breath and the brightness of their teeth. Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first step. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check. There are also certain foods that can be used as home remedies to help keep your teeth sparkling and beautiful.

Here are a few home remedies to keep you smiling bright:
Spice up your life: Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
Be weary of dark beverages: The worst options for your teeth are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer. If you do indulge in these beverages, we recommend that you use a straw to protect your teeth from dyes.
Apples, celery, and carrots: These foods are known to increase saliva production, and can act as natural stain removers.
Enjoy your strawberries: This fruit contains malic acid and fiber, which may help whiten and remove bacteria from your teeth.
Parsley’s there for a reason: Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
Frequent brushing: Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
Don’t forget the tongue: Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
Sugarless gum: Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.

For more tips on teeth whitening, you can visit this great article by AOL health, or give St. Pete Smiles a call! Dr. Bracy is specially trained to offer out patients Zoom! professional teeth whitening, which whitens teeth an average of eight shades - in just one hour.