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Fighting Tooth Decay With Polyphenols

  • February 24, 2020
  • 9:26 am
  • Dental Education
  • Tooth Decay

A recent study published in the European Journal of Oral Sciences has potentially found evidence that dark berries such as cranberries or black currants can lower the risk of tooth decay. The helpful chemicals responsible are called polyphenols. Today, the expert team at Parkcrest Dental Group will explain how polyphenols may be a valuable tool you can use to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

The Role of Polyphenols in Your Mouth

The study found that polyphenol extracts of cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries used on 24-Hour Streptococcus mutans biofilms showed a significant decrease in metabolic activity and viability. What does this actually mean for your teeth? In short, streptococcus mutans is a bacteria that plays a big role in tooth decay. We already knew that polyphenols had some health benefits as they are an antioxidant and protect our bodies from free radicals. However, this study showed that polyphenols actively inhibited the destructive bacteria in our mouth. 

Related Post: Developing Healthy Mouth Bacteria

What Foods Contain Polyphenols?

In the study, the polyphenols were extracted from cranberries, blueberries, and red wine. Now, these aren’t foods you want to overeat, as they have the potential to stain your teeth and they also contain sugar. However, occasional consumption of these foods, along with proper dental habits, could positively contribute to your overall dental health.

Other foods that contain polyphenols include:

 

  • Berries
  • Cherries
  • Plums
  • Black Currants
  • Dark Chocolate and Cocoa
  • Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Almonds, Pecans
  • Broccoli
  • Tea and Coffee
  • Asparagus
  • Artichokes
  • Spinach
  • Cloves
  • Dried peppermint
  • Black beans
  • Soy

 

Consider adding some of these foods to your diet and your teeth may reap the rewards.

Related Post: Best Organic Foods For Your Teeth

Schedule an Appointment at Parkcrest Dental Group

At Parkcrest Dental Group, we have an expert team available to serve you and your family.  For over 40 years our team has worked to stay at the forefront of the dental community, with knowledgeable and experienced employees, incredible facilities, and service with a smile. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact our team today at 417-887-1220.

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Meet Some of Our Doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group!

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown (LSD 42)  and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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