24 Jun Five Summer Drinks for Healthy Teeth
It almost goes without saying that summers are hot in Arizona. But unfortunately, some of the most iconic summer beverages are not very good for your teeth. Drinks like sodas, lemonade, and sweet iced tea are often full of the sugars and acids that lead to cavities. But water isn’t the only healthy beverage option—there are lots of tasty, refreshing drinks that will put a smile on your face. So break out your blender and try one (or all!) of these five plant-based recipes for dentist-approved summer drinks.
Five Recipes for Refreshing and Healthy Summer Drinks
1: Fresh Mint Iced Tea
Did you know that mint is naturally antimicrobial? This means that drinking mint tea not only fights plaque, it also freshens your breath at the same time. You can even grow your own mint indoors, or in a bucket in a shady place in your yard.
- 1 oz fresh mint leaves
- 4 cups boiling water
- wedge of lime (optional)
- liquid stevia to sweeten (optional)
Simply pour the boiling water over the mint leaves and let them steep until cool. Strain out the mint leaves and add ice. For a mojito-inspired iced tea, add a wedge of lime and a few drops of liquid stevia to sweeten the brew.
2: Watermelon Agua Fresca with Stevia
Using stevia instead of sugar makes this refreshing beverage a tooth-friendly treat. Plus, watermelon is super-hydrating, so it helps prevent dry mouth and plaque buildup.
- 6 cups seedless watermelon (about 1/2 a small melon)
- 1/2 cup water
- juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon liquid stevia
Put all the ingredients into a blender and whizz until smooth. Pour over ice and enjoy! You could also freeze the juice in popsicle molds as a cooling treat for your teething toddlers or little ones.
3: Pineapple and Thyme Iced Tea
Even though pineapple is fairly acidic and very sweet, it can still be good for your teeth. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that reduces inflammation, helps break up plaque, and even acts like a natural stain-remover.
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, cubed
- 8 green tea bags
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cups boiling water
Steep the fresh thyme and the green tea in boiling water. When cool, strain the liquid into a blender and add the fresh pineapple. Blend until smooth and pour over ice to serve.
4: Almond Milk Matcha Latte
Green tea is good for your teeth because of its powerful antioxidants and plaque-fighting abilities. Plus, almonds are rich in calcium, one of the most important minerals for building strong tooth enamel.
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup almond milk
If you prefer a hot beverage, you can froth the almond milk, hot water, and green tea together. For an iced matcha latte, whisk the hot water and matcha powder together, add the almond milk, and pour over ice.
5: Super Green Smoothie
Dark leafy greens are really good for your teeth, but if you don’t like salads, you can always blend your greens into a smoothie. And avocados have magnesium, which aids in calcium absorption.
- 1 avocado
- 1 banana
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup plain almond milk
- 6 ice cubes
- stevia to sweeten (optional)
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and whizz until creamy and smooth. Add a few drops of liquid stevia if you prefer a sweeter smoothie.
Smile Brighter This Summer with Holistic Dental Care
Enjoying healthy summer foods and drinks is a great way to improve your dental health and prevent cavities and gum disease. You also need regular dental cleanings to fight plaque and keep your smile bright. If you’re due for an exam, contact Prescott Dentistry to make an appointment today.
Photo by Sahand Babali on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 6/12/2024.