Healthy food for healthy teeth
As we get halfway through the summer here, most of us have been enjoying family vacations, outdoor BBQ’s and lots of cool and refreshing food and drinks. Although there is plenty to enjoy about summertime, oral hygiene often gets pushed aside and exceptions are made about eating and drinking healthy food.
It can be hard to stay cool during these hot summer months and many people decide to cool off by drinking pop, lemonade, or eating popsicles and ice cream. Of course everyone deserves to indulge once in a while, but it is important to think about the impact that all of that sugar is having on your mouth. This is especially true for young children, since they have not yet developed as good of an oral hygiene routine as adults, and they are more susceptible to getting cavities.
Instead of giving into eating a lot of ice cream, potato chips and hot dogs this summer, you should consider some healthy alternatives that are not only good for your dental health, but are good for your health in general!
If you’re looking for a cool and refreshing drink, instead of grabbing a beer or a lemonade, you should get yourself a glass of cucumber water. Some people are reluctant to drink a lot of water because they find it boring, but there are so many ways that you can enhance the taste! Take a cucumber, slice it up and let it infuse into a pitcher of water overnight. There are many reasons why cucumbers are good for you, including being high in vitamins and anti-oxidants. The potassium in cucumbers can also help people to lower their blood pressure since they are high in potassium and that is what assists your kidneys with processing the salt in your diet.
When you’re craving something sweet, apples, strawberries or peaches are the way to go. Apples are very good at satisfying a sweet tooth and are also good at stimulating your saliva, which can help to get rid of any excess food that might be stuck in your teeth. Strawberries are generally a popular choice during the summer, since they are in season and taste delicious. Strawberries are also very high in vitamin C and they also have collagen, a protein known for helping to fight off periodontal disease. Peaches are another great fruit option and they have mineral fluoride in them, which is helpful in rebuilding the enamel in your teeth. They are also rich in calcium and vitamin C, which are great for keeping your teeth strong.
When you’re craving protein, salmon is always an excellent choice since salmon is high in docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fat. There have been studies that show that omega-3 fatty acids may help in the prevention of periodontal disease. Red meat is another good option for your teeth, as long as you are not eating it every day. Red meat is very high in protein and protein is good for strengthening your teeth and jaw. Chicken and turkey are lean meat proteins that should also be considered and they can be eaten more often. Eating meats that are high in protein also helps to fill your stomach and may just help you to skip dessert.
There are also dairy options that can be good for your teeth. Greek yogurt or unsweetened yogurt, along with low-fat milk and low-fat cheese are all dairy options that are high in calcium and protein and can help your teeth to stay strong.
There are so many delicious and healthy food and drink options during the summer that will help you to feel good in knowing that you are not ruining your beautiful smile!
