The "White Smile Diet"

KEEPING YOUR WHITE SMILE BRIGHT
by Gregory J Daniels DDS

First it was Atkins, then it was South Beach, now it's the White Smile Diet. What do we mean by that?

Dr. Gregory J Daniels recommends daily home care and regular cleanings at your dentist's office are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. In addition, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth. 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.

A recent survey show that whitening treatments have increased more than 300% since 1996. With so many people wanting to brighten their smile, here are a few tips from Hinsdale Illinois dentist Gregory J. Daniels DDS, to help you maintain your beautiful white teeth after treatment.

• Strawberries will naturally whiten your teeth.

• Avoid drinking coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine and blueberries. All stain teeth quickly.
• Drink from a straw whenever possible this allows food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.

• Baking soda helps remove stains. Brush it on your teeth twice a month, just as you would toothpaste, and rinse.

• Raw veggies are not only healthy, but they clean your teeth and remove topical stains.

• Chewing sugarless gum stimulates saliva and clean teeth surfaces. Not recommended for patients with TMJ.