Health

One Month to a Brighter, Healthier Smile

See the surprising culprits that are sabotaging your teeth, and find out how to reverse the damage and brighten your smile in just 30 days

by Sharon J. Yi

1 of 21

Week 1: Monday Skip the bananas

"Most people snack on carbohydrate-rich foods, like chips, which are especially bad for our teeth," says Pankaj J. Singh, DDS, founder and CEO of Arch Dental Associates in New York City. "All carbohydrates eventually break down into simple sugars, which are converted by the bacteria in your mouth into plaque -- the primary trigger of gum disease and cavities," he says. The biggest plaque culprit on Singh's list? Bananas. Their "chewy, adhesive texture" makes it easier for them to get caught between teeth or under the gum line, where bacteria can accumulate.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Week 1: Tuesday

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Older comments

say cheeeeeese

by LittleBunny Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 09:47AM Report as inappropriate

But I love bananas! It's the quickest on the go breakfast! Sad to hear they're not good for the teeth

by EricaC123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 07:13AM Report as inappropriate

I swish peroxide in my mouth when I first get in the shower for about thirty seconds. It helps freshen my breathe, whiten my teeth, and kill bacteria!

by morgan_ledford Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 01:25PM Report as inappropriate

I like the brush with peroxide idea...and the tongue scraper, too.

by alictasia Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 06:11PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting article full of all kinds of new dental innovations.

by RoleModel Friday, May 11, 2012 at 09:06PM Report as inappropriate

great

by Nicole2814 Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 06:16PM Report as inappropriate

I need to stay away from all the tea and coffee I drink.

by beautybody Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 11:48AM Report as inappropriate

I thought the idea was to whiten the teeth without actually having to use whitening substances... I can go to the dentist and have them perfectly white in a couple of hours, not a month.

by hananoire Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 08:37AM Report as inappropriate

brush with peroxide, never heard of that, hmmm

by talecon Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 03:24PM Report as inappropriate

I do most of them!!! :D

by yestfl Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 08:05PM Report as inappropriate