I know it’s time to whip up this delicious fruit salad when I notice my teeth beginning to look dull. It’s a healthy salad that contains a variety of fruits and vegetables which have been proven to whiten tooth enamel and fight plague. Here’s the fruit salad ingredients and how they work to whiten teeth naturally, followed by an easy fruit salad recipe.
Raw Apples are Natural Teeth Whiteners
Raw apples act as mild abrasive to lift food particles and stains from teeth. Apples also trigger the release of saliva to wash away stain-causing debris and neutralize tooth decaying acid.
Strawberries Turn Teeth Red, then White
Strawberries contain malic acid , which is a natural teeth whitener. According to an article in LiveStrong titled Malic Acid Facts , malic acid is used by dentists to clean and prepare teeth for dental procedures such as fillings. When eating the strawberry filled fruit salad, teeth may initially turn red, but as the malic acid does it’s work the red hue will turn to bright white.
Kiwis Contain Vitamin C
Kiwis are rich vitamin C , which is essential for healthy gums and strong teeth. Vitamin C helps prevent periodontal diseases by keeping the collagen in the gums strong.
Feta Cheese for Calcium
While not a ‘fruit’ in a teeth whitening fruit salad, feta pairs well with fruit and works to whiten teethe. Feta cheese is loaded with calcium and phosphate, important nutrients for strong, healthy and white teeth. Both calcium and phosphate help protect and preserve existing tooth enamel and rebuild new tooth enamel.
Crunchy Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce leaves have a crunchy, fibrous core that gently scrubs food debris and stains from teeth surface while you are enjoying the fruit salad. The tooth-scrubbing action of the romaine lettuce also helps freshen breath by removing food particles.
Teeth Whitening Fruit Salad Recipe
Place two cups of torn romaine lettuce leaves in a medium sized bowl. Add one cup of halved strawberries, one cup of peeled and sliced kiwi and one diced apple (with or without peel).
In a small bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of olive oil, two tables each of honey and water. Salt and pepper to taste, drizzle over fruit salad and top with one-fourth cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Sources:
WebMD
LiveStrong
Malic Acid Facts
Kiwis
Nutritional Facts of Feta
Romaine Lettuce