It’s probably fair to say that most adults and kids alike look forward to the summer months, and all the tasty food that comes along with it. Whether it’s sharing a delicious barbeque dinner with family or friends, or treating yourself and the kids to an occasional ice cream cone, the favorite foods of summer are always something to look forward to. But it’s also important to remember that the wrong foods can have a negative impact on your teeth and gums, so just make sure that those summer-favorite foods are balanced out with tooth-friendly choices as well. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that some of best foods for good oral health are also some of the most delicious. Here are some great tooth-friendly foods to enjoy with your family and friends this summer:
- Say “cheese”! If you’re a cheese lover, we have good news! Cheese is actually one of the best foods you can eat when it comes to maintaining your good oral health. Most of us know that the calcium in cheese helps to make teeth stronger, but you may not realize that the protein in cheese (called “casein”) strengthens the surface of your teeth. Cheese also helps to balance the pH level inside your mouth, and that reduces the amount of cavity-causing bad bacteria.
- Quench your thirst the old-fashioned way – with water! The media has been quick to report how bad sugary soft drinks are for your overall health. They’re just as bad for your teeth and gums! It’s really best for your overall health if you cut them out completely, or at least avoid soft drinks with the exception of once in a great while. The best thing to drink for your overall health and oral health is water! If you live in a community that fluoridates its water, choose tap water for an extra tooth-friendly boost.
- Indulge in the delicious fruits of the season. A great replacement for sugar-loaded foods like candy, cookies, and other baked goods is fresh fruit. And summertime is an excellent time of year to enjoy the wonderful variety of fruits now in season. One type that is particularly good for teeth and gums are pears. Not only are they a delicious snack, they also are effective in neutralizing acid on the surface of teeth and in stimulating the production of saliva inside the mouth.
- Don’t forget the veggies. Of course, fruit isn’t the only produce in season during the summer months. You should also stock up on plenty of vegetables over the next few months. Celery is an especially good choice for your teeth and gums, since its fibrous consistency increases saliva and actually helps to clean your teeth.
Summer is just around the corner. Fortunately, you can easily enjoy all the delicious foods of the season and good oral health all at the same time. So here’s to summer – and to healthy teeth and gums!
