Research has shown that some fruit drinks you can buy in supermarkets contain more sugar than a can of soda. So, when you’re considering getting a smoothie on the way to work because it’s fast and convenient, you may want to think twice.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, can erode enamel thereby rendering teeth more susceptible to stain and decay. Even the natural presence of sugars in fruit can lead to tooth decay over time depending on how much fruit you eat.
Check out the following tips, which will help you to enjoy your smoothies yet at the same time protect and keep your teeth as healthy as possible.
- If you drink fruit juices or smoothies, then do it in one go. Do not sip slowly over an extended period of time as this increases overall exposure time to sugar and acid.
- Use a straw (not plastic) as this will minimize tooth contact your beverage.
- If possible do not drink smoothies made from citrus fruits as those fruits contain a lot of acid.
- Drink more of the green juices or smoothies. They tend to contain more vegetables and less fruit, and can therefore contain less sugar and acid.
- Instead of drinking smoothies or fruit juices as a snack, they are less harmful for your teeth if you consume them together with your main meal. The other components of the meal tend to buffer the beverage’s acidity.
- As a general rule, children and adults should drink plenty of water after consuming fruit juices or smoothies. Water helps to wash away the residual acids in the mouth, thereby reducing risk of erosion and decay.
- Finally, do not brush your teeth until a minimum of an hour after a fruit juice or smoothie has been consumed because the mechanical action of the brushing will cause more damage to the teeth, which have just been subjected to an acid exposure.
Two great smoothies you can try. They really are yummy!
1.Green Monster – 1 medium banana (frozen or chunked), 2 cups fresh spinach, 1 tbsp. natural peanut butter, 1 cup ice cubes, 1 cup low fat milk, ½ cup low fat plain yogurt
- Berry Beet Zinger – 1 medium banana, 1 handful baby spinach, 1 medium beet peeled, ½ cup frozen or fresh berries, 1” piece of peeled fresh ginger, ½ of an avocado, ¼ cup coconut milk, 1 ¼ cup water
Enjoy and tell us if you like our recipes!