When summer rolls around and the temperature rises, it becomes tempting to grab convenient and cool sweets, such as popsicles, ice cream, or soda while you run out the door on your way to the next pool party. While this temptation is understandable, it is also incredibly bad for your oral health. Your teeth may be the last thing on your mind as you go from activity to activity, but keeping your teeth healthy is an important part of having an enjoyable summer. To ensure that you will have good times and not have bad toothaches, try to switch up your diet to healthy and proactive on-the-go foods instead of the sugar- and carb-loaded fast foods that can harm your teeth. To make the most of your snacks, try the following tips:
Tip #1: Switch out sugary treats for naturally sweet fruit: When you intake snacks full of processed sugar, the sugars cling to your teeth and begin to decay your tooth enamel, leading to cavities and aches. The natural sugars in your favorite fruits are not nearly as harmful. Apples are a convenient and healthy on-the-go snack that can satisfy your sweet tooth. Apples are high in fiber and water, with a texture that will stimulate the gums and ‘scrub’ your teeth. Many other fruits flourish in the summer season, resulting in a higher availability of juicy and sweet strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These berries are full of vitamins and minerals. A small cup or baggie of berries can be a satisfying snack that will hold you over until your next meal.
Tip #2: Replace chips with equally crunchy vegetables or nuts: Foods such as celery, carrots, and almonds have the same crunchy texture you get from potato chips, but without the processed sugar, sodium, and carbohydrates. Carrots are full of fiber and vitamin A. Celery sticks contain vitamin A and vitamin C. Both vegetables have a texture that works to scrape away food particles and bacteria from your teeth as you eat. Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with calcium and protein.
Tip #3: Grab a cool and refreshing fruit and vegetable smoothie instead of popsicles or ice cream: When the weather is warmer, it is understandable that you crave a snack that will cool you down. Instead of grabbing a cup of ice cream, grab a fruit and vegetable blended smoothie. Smoothies are a great way to incorporate nutrient-packed leafy greens into a convenient and tasty snack.
Stock up on yogurt cups: Dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, are full of protein and calcium that promotes healthy bones, including teeth! The probiotics found in yogurt work to eliminate the bad bacteria that build up around your gums. When choosing a yogurt type, avoid brands and flavors that contain added sugar.
A busy schedule need not lead to negative effects on your oral health. Follow the tips above and opt for a diet that works to improve your health, orally and in general. For more tips or answers to any questions you may have, contact the office at Babylon Dental Care by calling (631) 983-6665.
