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Quit Soda This Summer for a Brighter Smile

It sounds so simple -- quit drinking soda -- but it's a huge hurdle for lots of otherwise healthy people. Ditch the pop this summer!

Who doesn't want a whiter, brighter smile? Okay, that might sound like an advertisement for toothpaste, but really, it's so much simpler. We spoke with Dr. Brad Wiltbank, DMD, to get his best advice for a better smile and he said that, for many of his patients, it really comes down to avoiding certain damaging food and beverages.

The Enemy

Many of us know that red wine can stain teeth. So can certain acidic berries and other fruits. Coffee, is another obvious one due to it's dark hue and high acidity. But soda is one of the absolute worst when it comes to keeping your teeth in top shape.

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Tips for a Better Smile

To help ditch the soda habit and make healthier choices, a number of dietitians, nutritionists, and healthy living experts shared their top tips for ditching soda. The list includes everything from making your own healthy "faux soda" to carrying an apple with you to curb cravings.

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We heard from Dr. Barry Sears, the mastermind behind The Zone Diet and Nancy Popkin of Love More Eat Less, LLC. All these health experts are rooting for you!

Check out the top tips for scaling back on your soda habit this summer and you'll reap the benefits of a healthier body and a healthier smile.

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