With the carefree days of summer upon us, you may be inclined to pay less attention to your teeth. As dental professionals, we have one word for you: “Don’t!” Instead, we encourage you to brush and floss regularly while making sure you enjoy some of these summer foods that are good for your teeth:
1. Watermelon
Our first dentist-approved snack is watermelon. This fruit has lots of Vitamin C, making it a great choice for healthy teeth and gums. It also has antioxidant properties which prevent cell damage. And with this crunchy, juicy fruit’s high water content, watermelon is a great bet for offsetting fructose, a type of sugar that’s harmful to teeth.
2. Raw Onion
The next time you’re fixing your grilled burger, don’t be shy—load up on raw onion. Or at least, grab a slice of it. Not only will you be more inclined to brush your teeth immediately after eating it (a plus in our book), you’ll also appreciate onion for its health benefits. Onion contains allicin, a compound with antibacterial properties that helps prevent tooth decay.
3. Cheese
While cheese isn’t a summer food per se, it is a staple of barbecued burgers. In addition to your raw onion, you’ll also want to add a slice of cheese to your burger. Cheese is a dental superstar, because it protects your teeth enamel from erosion.
4. Strawberries
While blueberries and blackberries can stain teeth, you’re in the clear with strawberries. Although they’re brightly hued, strawberries contain malic acid, a natural astringent that removes surface discoloration from teeth.
5. Leafy Greens
A salad filled with leafy greens like spinach and kale is great for your teeth. Both of these greens are high in calcium, which promotes strong tooth enamel. And you’re not limited to just having them in salad. Try topping them on a pizza, baking yourself some kale chips, or throwing them into a smoothie.
6. Apples
Because fiber-rich apples have a high water content, they stimulate the flow of saliva. A moist mouth helps prevent decay by washing away food particles and neutralizing acid. For this reason, you may have heard apples referred to as “nature’s toothbrush.”
7. Broccoli
What’s summertime without a veggie platter? When you come across one—and we know you will—reach for the broccoli. A European study found that tooth enamel takes 2 times longer to erode after people eat broccoli.
In Conclusion…
As you can see, keeping your teeth clean and healthy this summer is going to be a breeze! Just eat some of the healthy snacks on our list, keep up with your brushing, floss daily, and make sure to see us if you’re due for an exam.
And speaking of exams, if you would like to schedule an appointment with Hassey Do Duy, you can request one online by clicking here or by calling us at 978.688.4441. We are happy to offer evening and weekend hours for your convenience in our Methuen office.
