‘Tis the season for delicious foods! As we dive deeper into the holiday season, it’s important to know which fall favorites are good for your teeth and which can harm them.
Pumpkins
We’re in the midst of pumpkin season, but how does that impact your teeth? Pumpkin actually provides many health benefits, including improving oral health. Pumpkins are jam-packed with wholesome nutrients and vitamins that can give your teeth the healthy boost they need.
- Magnesium: Magnesium found in pumpkins works with calcium to strengthen enamel. This helps your teeth fight off decay and deterioration.
- Vitamin A: If your mouth needs to recover from an infection, Vitamin A is the best nutrient for the job. Vitamin A is especially helpful when it comes to healing infected gums.
- Vitamin B: When it comes to oral health, don’t forget about your tongue! Vitamin B can decrease tongue inflammation and infections to keep your whole mouth feeling strong.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is the go-to vitamin for improving your body’s overall immune system. As for your mouth, Vitamin C is essential for defending against oral infections and tooth decay.
- Zinc: Zinc is excellent for gum health and maintaining strong teeth and bones. Without enough zinc, your body can suffer from weak bones and poor oral health. Plus, if you experience bleeding gums, upping your zinc intake can help.
- Iron: Iron is not only terrific for your entire body, but it can also keep your tongue healthy by fighting off infections.
Apples
Fall is all about apples, an apple a day could keep your dentist away! These superfruits are loaded with nutrients that help your teeth stay strong and healthy.
- Water: Apples contain a lot of water, which helps your mouth produce more saliva. With more saliva, your mouth is able to rinse away unhealthy bacteria, food particles, and drive away dry mouth.
- Fiber: Fiber is great for your whole body’s digestive flow. Fiber also stimulates your gums, which can help them stay infection-free all winter year long. The high fiber content can even act as a natural toothbrush and scrub away plaque.
- High acidity: Apples have high acidity levels, which helps prevent harmful bacteria growth. Snacking on an apple every day will keep your teeth clean and your breath smelling fresh.
Healthy Apple Snacks:
Cheese
Load up on your cheeses this holiday season! Cheese is full of fabulous minerals that can restore strength in your teeth, helping them fight off tooth decay and infections.
- Calcium: Calcium is great for building solid and durable enamel, which protects your teeth from infections and deterioration. Loading up on calcium is sure to keep your teeth strong and clear from decay.
- PH: Eating cheese can raise the pH level in your mouth, which helps lower your risk of tooth decay.
