Summer is Here! Enjoy Fresh Foods That Are Great For Your Teeth and Gums!

At Chinook Mall Family Dental, we are getting ready for summer!  Everyone wants to look and feel their best during these beautiful months here in Calgary! Coming into  see us in our Chinook Mall office for check up and treatment is a great start but not to be forgotten is Mother Nature’s plentiful array of fresh delicacies that are beneficial to your teeth and gums!

Apples

While most apples are harvested in the fall, there are a few varieties that are ripe during summertime.

• Lodi Apples
• Gala Apples
• Yellow Transparent Apples
• Jersey Mac Apples
• Earligold Apples

Eating an apple stimulates the flow of saliva, working to wash away food particles and bacteria. Apples are high in water content, which helps dilute the sugar they contain. Their tougher texture also stimulates your gums.

Strawberries

Rich in Vitamin C, strawberries help reduce inflammation and provide collagen, a protein that helps fight periodontal disease. This fruit also contains calcium, promoting strong bones and teeth.

Peaches

This classic summer fruit contains fluoride, an important mineral for dental health. Fluoride helps remineralize and rebuild enamel, while strengthening your existing enamel. This ultimately helps prevent cavities from forming.

Peaches are also full of Vitamin C, helping reduce inflammation. They also contain calcium, strengthening bones and teeth. Make sure you remove the pit before eating a peach because chewing on a pit can damage your teeth.

Leafy Greens

A popular leafy green during the summertime is butter lettuce. This type of lettuce contains Vitamin A, which forms tooth enamel. It also has small amounts of calcium, strengthening your bones.

Eat well, you’re eating for your oral health too!

With these summer months come lots picnics and BBQ’s, and graduation parties. Many patients often ask us about foods that can cause harm to their teeth. Several treats can do a number on our teeth, and can lead to some painful cavities.

• Carbonated beverages, including diet sodas because of their high acidic content; carbonation can cause calcium levels to diminish in your bones and teeth

• Colorful cocktails, especially ones made with fruit juice or soda, because they contain high amounts of both sugar and acid
• Hard candies, because of their high sugar content and they stay in your mouth for a long period of time, literally bathing your teeth in sugar
• Pickled vegetables, because of the acid in the vinegar used for pickling
• Popcorn, because it gets stuck in between your teeth and creates an environment for damaging bacteria
• Peanut butter and jelly, because both are sticky and cling to your teeth and are full of sugar

If you consume any of these foods this summer, these tips will help keep your mouth healthy:

• Drink lots of water, flushing your mouth after eating especially
• Brush teeth with fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Incorporate vegetables and fruits high in fiber in your diet
• Include rich source of calcium and phosphates– cheese, yogurt and, dairy products in the snacks and treats
• Get regular dental checkup for professional fluoride treatments

Summer is a great time to focus on your well being, treat your body right and fill it full of fresh, vitamin and nutrient high foods. Enjoy a happy and healthy season with your loved ones. And don’t forget to check in with our our team at Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic.