Healthy Summer Foods: The Dental Connection!

Summer--that wonderful time of year when fresh and delicious produce abound! Good oral health requires an appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals from nature's bounty no matter what time of year.  In previous studies, nutrients from fruits and vegetables such as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants have all been associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and cancers, including oral cancer.

Here are four summertime foods that can improve your dental health:

• Watermelons 
• Watermelons have a high water content, which dilutes the affects of the sugars they contain and stimulates the flow of saliva.  In addition to containing skin-protecting lycopene, eating watermelon can help you stay hydrated during the summer months, which not only keeps your memory sharp and your mood stable, but also helps to keep your body cool.
• Strawberries
• Strawberries are juicy and delicious, and they are considered a superfood. Nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants (such as vitamin C, which can help with cancer prevention), strawberries also promote eye health, help fight bad cholesterol, and regulate blood pressure.
• Apples
• Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, which lowers the levels of bacteria and other harmful acids, leading to a lower likelihood of tooth decay and helps you attain a whiter, healthier smile!  Apples can also boost your immune system, reducing cholesterol and helping you avoid Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as lowering your risk of heart disease.
• Tomatoes
• Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy snack that can help you ward off cancer. The yummy red fruit contains lycopene, which helps protect your skin from sunburn.  Tomatoes can also help you fight heart disease due to niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 nutrients that they contain.   They are also high in crucial antioxidants, such as vitamin A and vitamin C, which work to prevent DNA damage.

Have a great summer and enjoy these healthy foods.  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT