Summertime Meals for a Strong Smile, Shared by Our Bethesda Dentist
Summer is right around the corner! We’re getting warmed up, so it’s time to have some of your favorite foods and drinks. In between, make sure that your snacks and indulgences are safe for your smile. Below, our Bethesda dentist shares summertime foods that are tasty, full of flavor, and healthy for your teeth and gums.
Fruits
The summer brings some of the most refreshing, delicious fruits, many of which are beneficial for your smile. Don’t forget – while these fruits are nutritious in many ways, they are also acidic and have the ability to break down your enamel if you’re eating them too much and too often. When you’re enjoying these fruits, pair them with minimal-acidic foods like almonds and wash them down with a glass of water.
While apples are commonly picked in the fall, there are variations that grow in the summer. Apples increase saliva production, which wash away bacteria and food particles built up between your teeth and other hard-to-reach places. The harder texture of the apples also enhances your gums, as well.
Other great fruits to enjoy are strawberries and peaches. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which minimize inflammation and produce a protein that combats periodontal (gum) disease. Peaches naturally contain fluoride, which enables the remineralization and reconstruction of enamel while also strengthening your existing enamel. They are also filled with vitamin C and calcium to strengthen your teeth.
Cheese
Seasonal cheeses, much like vegetables and fruits, have beneficial ingredients for your smile. Choices like feta cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella contain calcium and protein that reinforce your teeth and bones. They also stimulate the production of saliva, which assists in cleaning the bacteria and food particle build-up in your mouth.
Meats and Fish
Grilling is a favorite pastime in the summer, so be sure to include some of the healthier options for your smile! Lean meats like turkey and chicken and fatty fishes are rich in protein and contain phosphorus, which assist in fortifying your jaw and teeth. Combine that with delicious sides like leafy greens (compromised with vitamin A that produces enamel) and even a side of beans, which are high in fiber, and you’ve got a smile-friendly meal!
Looking for other summertime foods that will strengthen your smile? Simply give our Bethesda dentist a call at (301) 652-3997 and we’ll happily help!
