Summer is almost here, and that means it’s time for fun in the sun - and of course, delicious summer produce to enjoy!
Fruits and vegetables provide many of the minerals that help maintain a healthy mouth - from providing essential vitamins and minerals to helping eliminate bacterial plaque. Alongside a good dental hygiene routine and regular dental checkups at your local dentist, a healthy diet full of fruits and veggies will help you keep your gorgeous smile!
Luckily, the fresh seasonal produce available during the summer is healthy, delicious, and great for your smile! Crisp fruits and raw vegetables, like apples, carrots and celery, help clean the plaque from teeth and naturally freshen your breath. Lots of fruits and vegetables contain high levels of antioxidants, like vitamin C, that can help protect your gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection. Leafy greens have lots of folic acid, a B vitamin, which promotes a healthy mouth and supports cell growth throughout the entire body.
For healthy teeth and gums this summer, look for these fruits and veggies in your local grocery store or farmers markets like the New Braunfels Farmers Market, and read on for some tasty recipes to use them in!
Seasonal Produce for Summer:
Apples:
An “apple a day” is good advice for your teeth too. It’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but the fibrous texture of apples can help clean your teeth and stimulate your gums, further reducing cavity-causing bacteria and increasing saliva flow. More saliva is good - it decreases citric and malic acidity in your mouth and washes away particles of food that can lead to decay.
Raw vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers and celery:
Great for stimulating gums and increasing saliva production. Strong, healthy gums are important to maintaining healthy teeth. And like apples and oranges, chewing raw carrots, celery and other fibrous and hard vegetables stimulates the gums and helps to generate mouth cleansing saliva. Carrots and celery are also good sources of beta carotene, which your body needs to create vitamin A -- a nutrient essential for building strong teeth. Bell peppers are a good source of both vitamin A and C.
Leafy green and dark, multi-colored vegetables:
Lettuce, kale, spinach, asparagus, cabbage, chard and other greens are packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain and improve oral health. Nutrients found in these dark green foods include vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Phosphorus is stored in your teeth and bones to help your body balance and absorb calcium and magnesium.
Summer berries including strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries:
Summer berries are readily available and great for adding to salads and healthy desserts. Blueberries, raspberries and other plant foods rich in anthocyanins may prevent the attachment and colonization of pathogens on host tissues (including teeth).
Squash
Zucchini and other summer squash are part of the extensive Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon and winter squash. Low in calories, fat-free, and a rich source of potassium, vitamins B-2, B-6 and C, and fiber.
Recipes:
Roasted Summer Fruit Over Sweet Ricotta
Peaches, raspberries, and blackberries perfectly roasted and served with a smooth ricotta dip.
Cold Sesame Noodles with Cucumber
Fresh crunchy cucumbers and chopped cilantro give these asian-inspired noodles a healthy boost!
Lightened-Up Creamy Broccoli Salad
Sub the potato salad for this healthier but still delicious broccoli salad.
Ready for your summer checkup? Give us a call to schedule your next visit today!
