Good Food Choices for Summertime Smiles
- Posted on: Jun 30 2017
When the warm weather rolls around, many of us take the opportunity to roll out the red carpet. Afternoon brunches, evening barbecues, and all manner of festivities fill the months of summer. That means lots of opportunities to make food choices that will both thrill your guests and promote healthy smiles.
It’s Crunch Time!
It may seem natural to set the summertime table with chips and cookies. However, trading processed foods for fresh fruits and vegetables can benefit the waistline as well as the mouth. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower gently abrade the teeth, which removes the sticky biofilm that naturally develops over the course of a day. Additional crunchy foods that are great for picnics and other meals include celery, apples, and watermelon. These treats are not only tasty but are also high in water content, which means they help dilute acidity that can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Want more Choices?
Eating healthy doesn’t mean limiting flavor by any means. Some summertime favorites among children and adults alike include strawberries and pineapple. The vitamin C and K in pineapple is healing to the mouth and the stomach, and the malic acid in strawberries has been noted as a good teeth whitener. Finally, don’t be afraid to set out that platter of cheese and crackers. The casein protein in cheese supports healthy bones and teeth.
Now for those Cups
One of the biggest considerations for parties and other gatherings is what to put in the cups. The beverages of summer range from lemonade and fruit juice and iced tea to white wine spritzers or mineral water. Offering “just water” to guests may feel like you’re scrimping, but you could be saving many teeth. Water is the healthiest beverage we can consume. Flavor may be added with fruit such as strawberries or lemons, with a dash of stevia to sweeten the pot.
When beverages other than water are consumed, the teeth do take a bit of a beating. Remember, don’t brush right away after that tea or coffee. Wait about an hour. In the meantime, swish some fresh water around in your mouth to dilute sugar and acid residue.
Summertime is a great time to schedule that dental checkup and cleaning! Call our New Orleans office at 504-486-3339 to schedule yours.
Posted in: Dental Health, General Dentistry
