Juicing Could Improve Your Oral Health
Posted on 11/16/2020 by Dr. VanBrunt |
 Juicing has become increasingly popular over the last few years as many celebrities and other influential people have touted the various benefits of this healthy habit. Blending up delicious homemade juices is a great way to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, which is something a lot of Americans struggle with. Plus, the vitamins and minerals found in these juices can be beneficial to your oral health.
Important Nutrients Found in Juice
Whether juicing is healthy for your teeth depends on the specific ingredients you use. Juices that contain mostly fruits, especially citrus fruits, can be damaging to your teeth due to their sugar and acid content. So whether you are making your own juice at home or ordering from a juice bar, stick to juices that contain more vegetables than fruit. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and parsley are especially beneficial ingredients as they contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and bones.
Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables are also great to include in your homemade juices, as these can help boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and protect your teeth against tooth decay, infection, and gum disease. Examples of antioxidant-rich juice ingredients include carrots, beets, turmeric, ginger, and berries.
Protect Your Teeth from Acid and Sugar
While juicing has numerous health benefits, do not forget that fruit contains acids and sugar that can attract bacteria and erode your enamel. In addition to focusing on vegetable-based juices, some other ways to maximize the oral health benefits of juicing include drinking through a straw to minimize the juice's contact with your teeth, drinking water after consuming juice to dilute the acids and sugars, and not brushing your teeth for at least an hour after drinking juice, as brushing too soon can spread the acid across your teeth. Drinking juice during a meal rather than on its own is also helpful, as chewing stimulates saliva production, and saliva is crucial for diluting acid and keeping your mouth clean. Finally, be wary of store-bought juices or smoothies, as these could contain added sugars or other harmful ingredients. Contact our office to learn more.
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