A refreshing beverage doesn’t have to be laden with sugar and calories. In fact, recent research by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and Everydayhealth.com has shown that vibrant, fresh ingredients can make a cocktail party succeed in both the taste and health departments.
Key Ingredients
Take a look at some of the ingredient suggestions (source: The AACD Smile Bar):
Strawberries: The Malic acid in strawberries acts as a safe bleaching agent that rivals many expensive teeth whitening products.
Tasty and tooth-healthy? It’s possible!
Kiwi: Filled with more vitamin C than any other fruit; Vitamin C-rich foods are natural teeth “whiteners.”
Celery: Activates saliva production, which assists in cleansing food particles from the teeth and dilutes sugars or acids in the mouth.
Carrot Juice: Loaded with vitamin A, which is essential in forming tooth enamel.
Ginger: Contains anti-inflammatory properties that support healthy mouth tissue.
Mint: Fresh mint leaves have antimicrobial properties to fight the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, teeth, and tongue.
Basil: A natural antibiotic that reduces mouth bacteria.
Surprise Twists
These tooth-healthy additions may surprise you:
Tap Water: It’s better for teeth than bottled because it contains fluoride, which prevents tooth decay.
Milk: It’s not just for kids. In fact, when a diet is low in calcium, the body leeches the mineral from teeth and bones, which can increase your risk of tooth decay and the incidence of cavities. The Food and Drug Administration recommends 1,000 mg of calcium daily for women younger than 50 and for men of any age, and 1,200 mg for women over 50.
Limes and Lemons: Including them on a cocktail party table isn’t surprising, but their tooth-healthy qualities could be. While acidic fruits tend to get a bad oral health wrap, they do contain plenty of Vitamin C, which helps the body fight off infection. They also help balance the body’s pH level.
For More Information
The AACD Smile Bar has a thorough list of tooth-healthy ingredients as well as some expert drink recipes. A few were even developed by cosmetic dentists!
Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions about this post, the oral health implications of certain foods, or any other oral health issue. We’re always willing to serve our Jacksonville dental patients.
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