Tooth Healthy Tips From Your Dentists in Brandywine, Hockessin, Middletown, Wilmington, Millsboro, and Ocean View, DE
Summer is on, which means a time to chill out, relax, and enjoy the flavor of the moment – but for many people, it also means sitting down and sipping “refreshing” soft drinks and sports drinks. The problem with these drinks is that they’re loaded with sugar and are extremely corrosive to your teeth, contributing to tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal (gum) disease – and your friends at Dental Associates of Delaware don’t want that for you! Here are a couple drinks that will cool you off this summer without wreaking havoc on your teeth.
Milk
Believe it or not, this childhood pastime can contribute to the strength and health of your teeth. Milk is high in calcium, which not only strengthens your bones, but also helps protect your mouth from periodontal disease. We need Vitamin D to absorb dietary calcium, so be sure to pair a glass of cool milk with vitamin D-rich foods – or better yet, sunshine.
Homemade Alternatively-Sweetened Lemonade
Although lemonade is often served saturated in sugar, making it a dental nightmare, the citrus in lemonade is beneficial for teeth. The high levels of vitamin C in citrus fruits strengthen blood vessels and connective tissue in your gums, helping to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Vitamin C also reduces inflammation, which may help prevent or slow the advancement of gingivitis. To make lemonade into a tooth-boon instead of a tooth-bomb, make it your own and swap out sugar for another form of sweetener like honey, coconut nectar, coconut sugar, or xylitol – just make sure not to overdo it!
Water
We just couldn’t bring ourselves to leave this off the list. Although it’s not the most glamorous of refreshments, the tried-and-true glass of cold water on a hot, sunny day is not only vital to your body, refreshing, and thirst-quenching, but also good for your teeth. Water helps wash away food debris and regulate levels of saliva, which is actually one of your best defenses against tooth decay – saliva contains proteins and minerals that neutralize tooth-destroying acids. If you want to spruce up your water a bit, try throwing a few strawberries, sliced lemons, mint, or cucumbers into the pitcher to infuse the water with a refreshing essence.
Your Local Brandywine, Hockessin, Middletown, Wilmington, Millsboro, and Ocean View, DE Family & Cosmetic Dentists
Your friends at Dental Associates of Delaware hope you enjoy your summer! We want to make sure you stay refreshed and hydrated while keeping your Delaware smile beautiful and healthy.
We offer a full suite of dental care services, including Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, and Dental Implants. Don’t forget to schedule an appointment for a dental checkup or tooth cleaning at any of our offices in Brandywine, Hockessin, Middletown, Wilmington, Millsboro, or Ocean View, DE. If you ever have any questions, just drop us a line! Our numbers are at the top of this page. We look forward to your next appointment!