08 May Five Summer Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth
Summer often means eating lots of sweet treats, like ice cream bars, popsicles, and cherry pie. Although these summer foods have a fabulous nostalgia to them, they can cause havoc on our teeth.
Of course, we can still eat these things from time to time. But when it comes to daily snacks in the summer, it’s good to know what foods will help keep your teeth healthy. Let’s go over which summer foods will keep your teeth healthy, and take a look at some recipes for delicious, tooth-friendly treats!
What Foods Are Good for Your Teeth?
We all know that sugary foods are notorious for harming our teeth, but interestingly enough, it’s not the sugar itself that causes damage. The bacteria that cause plaque also eat sugar, and they convert it into acids. These acids are what irritate our gums and weaken our tooth enamel.
So what summer foods can we use to steer ourselves away from ice cream stands or the pies and cookies on the picnic table? What are some healthier options that will actually benefit our teeth?
From cucumbers to watermelon, there are plenty of options for mouth-watering summer snacks that can promote good oral health. We’ve outlined five summer foods that are good for your teeth and how to turn those ingredients into recipes you can enjoy all season long.
Five Summer Recipes for Healthy Teeth
1: Veggie Platter with Dip
Crunchy, fibrous vegetables help clean your teeth while you chew them. Chewing also encourages your mouth to produce more saliva, which protects your teeth by washing acid, bacteria, and food particles away. Pile a platter with sliced celery, cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, radishes, and sweet bell peppers. Serve them with a healthy dip like hummus, savory herbed yogurt, or baba ganoush.
2: Pear and Apple Salad
Fruits such as pears and apples make a perfect replacement for sugary treats, because they have amazing dental health benefits and still taste incredibly sweet. It’s a great idea to end a meal with a dessert like pear and apple salad. These crisp fruits stimulate a cleaning response in your mouth similar to that of brushing your teeth.
3: Cheese Board
A charcuterie or cheese board is a go-to for gatherings, and some cheeses are actually good for your teeth. The key is to avoid overly-processed cheeses, as they’re likely to contain sugar. Aged cheeses like cheddar and gouda are beneficial, because they reduce acidity in our mouths. One study found that because of its pH-balancing benefits, eating cheese after a sugary treat helps prevent the demineralization of tooth enamel. So go ahead and put a cheese board on the menu for your next summer get-together!
4: Fresh Salsa
Also known as pico de gallo, a fresh raw salsa is another great summer food that’s good for your oral health. The antibacterial sulfur compounds in raw onions can dramatically reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. However, no one wants to chomp down on a raw onion like it’s an apple. We recommend making a raw salsa so you can enjoy the health benefits of this satisfying summer snack! Raw salsa, or pico, is traditionally made with stemmed and cored tomatoes, onions, and peppers like jalapenos, poblanos, and serranos. It’s seasoned with cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
5: Grilled Sweet Potato Salad
Sweet potatoes are a fabulous source of vitamins and minerals. They’re also rich in vitamin A, which is important for keeping your gums and mucous membranes healthy. When you have a dry mouth, you’re more prone to cavities and tooth loss. Getting enough vitamin A in your diet helps encourage saliva production. It also helps build keratin, a protein that your body uses to strengthen tooth enamel. Try incorporating a grilled sweet potato salad into your summer meals to get some more vitamin A in your diet.
Don’t Forget to Visit the Dentist!
Between vacations, camping trips, and pool parties, it’s easy to get busy during the summertime. Just don’t forget that seeing a dentist regularly is vital for good health! Scheduling an exam at Drs. Saba & Associates in Sun Lakes, Arizona is one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy. Whether you need restorative treatments or more frequent cleanings, we can help. Call us at 480-895-2111 today to schedule an appointment.