Contrary to popular belief, a toothbrush and toothpaste aren’t the only tools that can clean your teeth. If you ever forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, or both items, there are certain foods you can eat to clean your teeth. Below are five alternatives to tooth-brushing that you can use to not only clean your teeth but promote your overall health.
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Fruits
Have you ever noticed that your teeth feel squeaky clean after eating an apple or strawberries? Certain fruits are naturally abrasive, and when you bite into and chew them, they gently scrub the surface of your teeth. Many fruits also contain antioxidants and important vitamins, such as Vitamin C. Vitamin C and antioxidants are essential to maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease.
Vegetables
Like fruits, vegetables are great for cleaning your teeth due to their naturally abrasive nature and the level of chewing required to consume them. According to family dentist Delray Beach, chlorophyll-rich vegetables, such as broccoli or leafy greens, can stop gum disease dead in its tracks, freshen your breath, and strengthen your teeth and gums.
Tea
Teas that are infused with herbs are great for removing plaque and making your teeth feel fresh and clean. Certain teas, such as green tea, are natural sources of fluoride and antioxidant plant compounds that rebuild enamel and strengthen your teeth. Natural teas are also a great alternative to commercial mouthwashes. Simply gargle with a cup for freshly brewed tea as you would with regular mouthwash.
Herbs
Chewing fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or mint is a quick way to freshen your breath and clean your teeth on the go. Similar to green vegetables, many fresh herbs are rich in chlorophyll, which helps cut down on bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay. Dried herbs aren’t an effective natural teeth cleaner because the herb has lost all of its chlorophyll, which is the majority of its teeth cleaning power.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are little teeth cleaning powerhouses that can reduce plaque and rebuild tooth enamel. Nuts and seeds are actually ancient, natural teeth cleaner in some cultures. For instance, fennel seeds are very popular in Indian culture as a natural teeth cleaner. Many Indians chew fennel seeds after eating a meal to cleanse their mouth and freshen their breath. Fennel seeds are also full of antioxidants and Vitamin C, both of which are important to maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
