Summer is almost here and nothing is more cool and refreshing than sipping on a smoothie. Choose ingredients that help strengthen teeth and avoid decay and sip through a straw to protect your pearly whites.
Most smoothies are filled with sugar. They may taste good, but cause tooth decay, cavities and whole lot of other trouble. Smoothies also often contain highly acidic ingredients like lime juice, making them particularly damaging.
Greek yogurt is an ideal base for your smoothie. Dr. Oz believes Greek yogurt is one of the best ingredients to keep in your refrigerator, with double the protein and half the carbs of regular low fat yogurt. It’s high in calcium, which helps keep your teeth strong and researchers have found that the probiotics found in yogurt helps fight bad breath. Yogurt also discourages bacteria by balancing your mouth’s ph. levels.
Fruits will sweeten the mix; choose some with low sugar and acid content like apples, pears and bananas. Berries are a delicious addition, but make sure to brush your teeth afterwards to avoid staining.
Pear Banana Delight
2 pears, quartered and cores removed
1 frozen banana, cut in chunks
1 cup almond milk
½-cup Greek yogurt
½-tsp. ground cinnamon
Place the pears, banana, milk, yogurt and cinnamon into a blender. Cover and puree until smooth. Enjoy!
