Author: James Goolnik BDS MSc Category: Health, Dental
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James Goolnik explains how to avoid smoothies and juices damaging your teeth

Smoothies and juices are everywhere, especially as part of a new year’s detox plan but could this healthy and innocent looking drink actually be damaging your teeth?

It seems so simple; you can get your 5-a day in one quick gulp.  But are fruit juices and smoothies really that good for you or do they damage your teeth?  Studies have shown that some shop bought smoothies are actually worse than a can of coke and no one would have that for breakfast and feel healthy!

Some of these smoothies not only stain your teeth but actually permanently damage them.  This is due to the natural sugars in fruit and vegetable that can lead to tooth decay or erosion.  The ascorbic acid in the vitamin C can cause the enamel to erode, making our teeth doubly vulnerable to staining.  Vibrant-coloured fruits like blackberries and blueberries cause your teeth to discolour.

So, do we need to sacrifice our health by eating less cancer fighting, heart healthy fruits and vegetables just to maintain a glistening white smile? Thankfully, the answer is no.

Follow these easy tips from London Dentist James Goolnik and your teeth will continue to sparkle:

1. Enjoy your smoothie immediately, and then rinse your mouth afterwards.  Just take a few sips of water to dilute the teeth-staining foods.  Freshly made juices are alkalising.  Over time, light, air and heat destroy most of the available nutrients and allow the sugars to ferment.

2. Make “green” smoothies.  These have at least double, preferably triple, greens to fruit ratio to keep the sugar content of your drink low.

3. Drink your smoothie through a straw to help minimize contact with your teeth.

4. Eliminate or reduce the acid – avoid using citrus fruit in your smoothie.

5. Try to wait half an hour if brushing after your smoothie because your tooth enamel is more vulnerable just after eating and drinking.
 
James Goolnik is a dentist and founder of the award winning Bow Lane Dental Group which is in London.  James Goolnik recently published his book “Brush”. 100% of the profits go to Dentaid to support access to oral health for the underserved populations.  He is a trustee of the charity “Heart your Smile” aimed at getting more people to visit their dentist. 

To ask James a question click here