Your toothbrush and dental floss may be the first thing you think of when you consider cavity prevention (and you’d be right to consider them). However, good hygiene isn’t the only way to keep your teeth safe from infectious decay. The widespread dental disease is caused by harmful substances that oral bacteria produce—the same bacteria found in the sticky dental plaque that clings to your teeth. Fortunately, modern science and advancements in dentistry have shown that protecting your teeth doesn’t have to be tedious. In fact, you may enjoy some of the things that scientists have found can help you fight cavities.

Don’t Want Cavities? Try These!

RED WINE

Though notorious for its ability to stain teeth, researchers believe a glass or more of red wine with your dinner might help keep cavities at bay. Apparently, it’s all in the grapes. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, scientists have found that the polyphenol produced by grapes and grape seed extract can slow the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.

CHOCOLATE

Chocolate used to be considered a guilty pleasure, but as researchers in Japan suggest, it no longer has to be. At least, not for your teeth. The research team discovered that chocolate, particularly the cocoa bean used to make it, possesses highly-potent anti-bacterial properties that inhibit oral bacteria growth.

BEER HOPS

Unfortunately, there isn’t any evidence that drinking beer will benefit your dental health. On the contrary, it might actually prove detrimental. Yet, the hops used to craft the popular beverage are a different story. The stem, or bract, of the hops plant is typically discarded during the production of beer, though scientists have discovered that the typically-discarded branches contain strong anti-oxidants that can help you fight off tooth decay and gum disease.

ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE DENTISTS:

As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.