As the seasons change, temperatures drop and the holidays are right around the corner. Along with being a time for celebration, it’s also a time we are constantly surrounded by delicious treats, sweets, and holiday meals. All of these are tempting, but can wreak havoc on your dental health. The good news, there are some fall foods that can actually be beneficial for your teeth.
Fall Fruits and Veggies
Eating fresh fruits and veggies is great for your teeth, and the fall months are full of wonderful options. Apples, for example, are a fall favorite. The added pop of sweetness makes apples the perfect snack to keep in stock.
Along with apples, the crunchy fruits and vegetables – like celery, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli – can help naturally scrub your teeth as you eat them. They are especially effective after you indulge in a sugary treat.
You should also keep leafy greens on hand. Although these may not be your first choice when you’re searching for a snack, they naturally grow well in these cooler months and the high-fiber leafy greens, like kale, spinach, and collard greens, can give your teeth a healthy break from sugar. They even give your teeth a kind of wash, as they require you to chew more, which creates more saliva. Next time you want a healthy meal, add in a leafy green salad.
Nuts
Luckily, nuts are a common snack around the fall holiday season. Not only do they provide a satisfying crunch, they are also high in nutrients like phosphorus and calcium, both great for your teeth. Nuts also provide loads of healthy, good fats and protein. Some studies have gone so far as to show that cashews are better than mouthwash in fighting oral pathogens.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are everywhere during the fall, from our decorations, to our foods, even our beverages. And all that time in the spotlight means there are plenty of recipes and ideas for including pumpkin in your fall diet. This fruit (yep, pumpkin is a fruit) is also great for your health! It is nutrient dense, full of vitamins and minerals like zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. All these nutrients are essential for your oral health.
Another way to enjoy the benefits of pumpkin is with the pumpkin seeds. Next time you’re carving up a pumpkin, don’t throw out the seeds! Collect them to roast for a delicious fall snack. These little pips are high in fiber and phosphorus, plus give you a healthy dose of protein, calcium, and iron. Your tooth enamel is made from phosphorus and calcium, so keeping your intake of those nutrients is essential for dental health.
There are tons of other foods to add to your fall diet that will help you keep up your dental health, even with so many tempting treats around. By adding in some of these options, your teeth will make it through the holiday season in good standing and your mouth will be happy.
By the way, have you used up your dental benefits year? Don’t let them expire before the year ends! Book your appointment with us as soon as possible! Our Long Beach dental team is prepared and ready to serve your family’s dental health.
Call us at 562-434-6414 or request an appointment online here.
