Summer Foods: The Dental Connection!

Summer--that wonderful time of year when fresh and delicious produce abounds. Your teeth, gums, and tissues all rely on an appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals to maintain good oral health no matter what time of year.  In previous studies, nutrients in 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.

Check out these summertime foods that can improve your oral health:

Watermelons and Strawberries

     Watermelons have a high water content, which dilutes the affects of the sugars they contain and
     stimulates the flow of saliva.

Apples

     Consuming apples can help you attain whiter, healthier teeth.  Biting and chewing an apple
     stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, and in the process, lowers the levels of  
     bacteria and other harmful acids, leading to a lower incidence of tooth decay.

Tomatoes

     Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy snack that can help ward off cancer.  The yummy red fruit
     contains lycopene, which helps to protect your skin from sunburn. They can also help fight heart
     disease due to the niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 nutrients that they contain.  Tomatoes are high
     in crucial antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin A, which work to prevent DNA damage.

If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT