We hope you had a great Fourth of July weekend! Who doesn’t love some fireworks and a cookout? We’ve talked about the importance of complete nutrition for children and adults. Lucky for us, lots of summer foods make for healthy smiles!
Fruits and Veg: Cool Off and Clean Your Teeth
Who doesn’t love some cool, fresh strawberries or biting into a crisp apple on a hot day? And a fresh, cool summer salad when it’s hot outside? Perfection. But did you know these spectacular summer treats are actually good for your teeth?
Some fruits and veggies, especially crispy ones like apples and carrots, aren’t just good for your body. That great crunch also stimulates saliva flow, which helps reduce your risk for cavities. High fiber foods can also remove plaque while you chew!
Fruits like apple and strawberry may seem high in sugar, so why would we say they’re good for oral health? These sweet treats contain compounds that prevent bacteria from thriving. And strawberries can actually help brighten your smile with ascorbic acid!
And obviously leafy greens are just good for everything, aren’t they? Broccoli, lettuce, kale, spinach, all great for oral health. Not only are they full of antioxidants, but they also have a lot of calcium. Which reminds me…
Lean Proteins: Cookout Foods for Healthy Smiles
There are two essential minerals for oral health: calcium and phosphorus. Lucky for you, most lean proteins are abundant in both. Fish and red meat both contain a lot of phosphorus. But for my vegetarians out there, no worries! Pumpkin seeds and eggs, among other nuts and seeds, also have a ton of this powerful mineral.
When we’re looking for extra calcium in our diet, most people think dairy. And they’re not wrong! Milk, yogurt, and cheese are all great sources. But don’t forget about other sources, like those veggies we talked about. Almonds and seafood also have a lot.
Healthy Fats Are Foods for Healthy Smiles
Speaking of almonds, nuts are great for oral health. Nuts and seeds are crunchy and fibrous, meaning they’re another food that cleans while you eat. They can even scrape off surface stains! But they also contain great disease-fighting compounds. Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts and flax seeds keep your gums healthy and help fight periodontal disease.
Cheese, while high in protein, also counts in the list of healthy fat sources. Not only is cheese full of phosphorus and calcium, but it also has specific compounds that actively fight oral bacteria. Cheese can actually help rebuild enamel! For more on the best and worst cheese options for oral health, check out this article.
Smoothies: Great Summer Treat for Healthy Smiles
What could be better than an ice cold smoothie on a hot day? If you’re not the biggest fan of those leafy greens, we recommend hiding a little spinach in a sweet smoothie. Add your favorite milk, be it dairy or a non-dairy alternative, some flax or chia seed, and some fruit like strawberries and blueberries for their antioxidants, and not only do you have a delicious and healthy treat, but you also have a powerhouse for keeping your smile healthy.
Water: Not Just for Swimming!
Most important of all, don’t forget to hydrate! Especially in Florida, hydration is key for a great smile. If you get dehydrated, your saliva will be the first thing to go. Decreased saliva leaves you at high risk for cavities and gum disease.
But don’t bank on sports drinks to quench your thirst. They are highly acidic and contain tons of processed sugar. If you need one in a pinch, we recommend chugging it and then chasing it with a fresh water rinse to clean out that acid. Sipping on sports drinks throughout the day will do huge damage to your smile!
Happy Fourth, and enjoy your summer foods and healthy smiles, Orlando!
