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Summer is all about sun, fun, and, of course, delicious sweet treats! As much as one can enjoy these tooth cravings with ice creams and sodas, they cannot be considered healthy for the teeth. Excess sugar results in the formation of plaques, which can be very damaging to your teeth’s enamel.
The good news? Well, you no longer have to avoid your favorite summer snacks while worrying about oral health. Why? Because it’s possible to keep on snacking while improving teeth density and general oral health if you select the correct foods. In this article, we’re bringing you six delicious summer treats that you can munch on and enjoy while protecting your teeth at the same time.
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When it comes to healthy summer snacks, nothing beats the natural crunch of fresh fruits and veggies. Apples, carrots, celery, strawberries, and cucumbers are not only hydrating but also have some amazing benefits for your teeth.
The effect of water on your teeth.
According to research by the University of Illinois Chicago, raw vegetables and fruits maintain our oral health in the same way nature intended it. Many people have still not realized the abrasiveness of these crunchy fruits and vegetables that act as nature’s toothbrush when biting into them. Furthermore, they are also responsible for stimulating saliva secretion in the mouth, which is the body’s natural cleaner for bacteria and other plaque buildup. This prevents dry mouth and therefore reduces the chances of plaque buildup on the surface of the teeth.
In addition to this, fruits such as apples and pears have a high percentage of water content. Water is beneficial to the teeth as it aids in rinsing off sugar and food particles from the mouth, therefore preventing cavities.
Read more on What Your Mouth Can Tell About Your Overall Health.
You can enjoy crunchy fruits and veggies as an easy grab-and-go snack, or get creative with them. Slice up apples, cucumbers, or celery sticks and dip them in a bit of yogurt for a protein-packed snack. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try freezing slices of apples or cucumbers for a cool treat on hot summer days.
For a tasty twist, make a fruit salad with apples, pears, and crunchy pineapples, or pack a veggie platter with celery, cucumbers, and carrots for your next picnic.
You will be happy to learn that not only is yogurt sweet, rich, and tasty, but it is also healthy for teeth because it contains calcium and probiotics.
Protein also builds muscles, and yogurt is a good source of protein, a food that builds muscles as well. Moreover, the calcium present in yogurt is very important in making our teeth and bones strong.
The probiotics that are present in yogurt also work in the improvement of the balance of bacteria in the mouth, thus reducing the probability of gum diseases and bad breath. Besides, yogurt has a creamy consistency which makes it safe for people with sensitive teeth.
However, pay special attention to added sugars. Unfortunately, commercially available yogurts contain a high amount of sugar, which is not good for your teeth. In this case, avoid going for yogurt that has added sugars and instead choose plain, unsweetened yogurt.
You can make your own yogurt parfait during the summer using plain yogurt with fresh fruits such as strawberry, blueberry, and kiwi. Scatter some granola or crushed nuts on top for a crunchier bite. If you want something colder, freeze the yogurt and put it in a popsicle mold for an ice-cold summer treat that is healthy for your teeth.
Cheese is not just tasty, but great for your teeth as well. Pairing cheese with whole-grain crackers makes it way better by providing fiber and a satisfying crunch that puts your cravings at ease.
Cheese has calcium and phosphate that rebuild the enamel while reducing the amount of acids that cause cavities. Also, chewing cheese also results in the stimulation of saliva, which is a natural tooth cleaner. Crackers made from whole grain contain fiber which makes it the perfect combo to go along with cheese.
You can be as creative as you want to be, but if you prefer a simple snack, go for cheese and vegetables, where you combine cucumber slices, whole grain crackers, and small cubes of different cheese. This snack is not only satisfying but ensures your teeth stay healthy and strong.
If you’re craving something cold but want to avoid sugar-laden ice cream, frozen grapes and, berries are the perfect summer treat. Not only are they refreshing, but they’re also packed with nutrients that can help make your teeth healthy.
Grapes and berries are naturally sweet, but unlike sugary snacks, they don’t stick to your teeth or lead to plaque buildup. Berries such as strawberries and blueberries are also high in vitamin C, which is important for gum health. Furthermore, vitamin C present in berries helps strengthen your gums and can even reduce inflammation, making berries a great treat for oral health.
Frozen fruits, especially berries and grapes, are easy to chew and without the risk of breaking or chipping your teeth, which can happen with harder frozen treats. The high water content in these fruits helps keep your mouth hydrated, which means more saliva to wash away bacteria and food particles.
Simply store some grapes or berries in the freezer, and after a few hours, you’ll have a cool, bite-sized snack that’s both delicious and good for your teeth. Frozen grapes are particularly refreshing on a hot day, and they can be eaten right out of the freezer without any preparation.
For a fun twist, try mixing a variety of berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with grapes before freezing them. This way, you’ll have a colorful frozen fruit salad that’s great for snacking. You can also toss frozen berries into yogurt or smoothies for an extra burst of flavor.
Another wonderful group of snacks that are good for your smile and oral health consists of nuts and seeds. Along with being rich in nutrients, nuts and seeds offer a crunchy bite that helps in cleaning teeth.
Nuts and seeds contain mineral groups including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which help in the development of strong teeth. Moreover, they maintain dental strength and heal any damage to the enamel caused by the acidic byproducts of sugary foods and drinks.
These also have a hard surface that induces saliva production, which helps remove food particles and counteract acids that are bad for the teeth. Also, given that nut products contain low amounts of sugar, they offer no risk of tooth decay as compared to some of the other summer snacks.
Moreover, foods such as almonds, cashew nuts, and walnuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals, which can help prevent overeating unhealthy meals. Moreover, seeds such as sunflower seeds or chia seeds are also very nutritious with fiber that is good for the teeth as well as the bowels.
Nuts and seeds are among the most versatile snack options. Eat a few almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds while sunbathing or swimming in the pool; make a trail mix of nuts, seeds, and fruits you prefer. The only thing you might want to watch is the dried fruit, as it might get stuck in your teeth; therefore, ensure that you take a small portion when having trail mix.
These can also be scattered over yogurt or used in salads. If you fancy something sweet, try dipping almonds or cashew nuts in dark chocolate. But be sure to rinse your mouth because the sweetness from the chocolate may harm your teeth.
Frozen fruit bars or popsicles are perfect treats for a hot summer day but the normal ones found in the market have a lot of sugar and other preservatives added. Fortunately, you do not have to go for the sugary ones and can prepare your own tooth-friendly citrus fruit popsicles at home. Along with being tasty, they also include vitamins that are good for the teeth and gum tissues.
Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are best-known citrus fruits to contain vitamin C which is very important for healthy gums. It assists in increasing the rigidity of the connective tissue of the mouth, thus decreasing your chances of developing gum disease or inflammation.
But moderation is key here as the natural sugars and the citric acid can damage the teeth if used in access. Moreover, acid content is reduced when the said fruit is frozen and diluted when making popsicles.
Homemade citrus popsicles are a really simple and fun way to beat the summer heat and can be made in no time. Begin with juicing fresh oranges, lemons, or grapefruits, each of which offers a different taste depending on one's preferences. This will add a sweeter taste and reduce the acidity. Some drops of honey can also be added while the juice is diluted using water.
After that, transfer the juice mixture into the popsicle molds and freeze them for a few hours. Once they are frozen, you will have yourself a healthy treat that’s full of Vitamin C and good for your teeth. To make it more interesting, you could put whole slices of fruits or mint into the molds before freezing them.
Maintaining a healthy smile during summer doesn’t mean you have to skip all the fun treats. By incorporating tooth-friendly snacks like crunchy fruits, veggies, nuts, yogurt, and even homemade popsicles, you can keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy while still enjoying the season. The key is making smart snack choices that support your oral health, like opting for foods rich in vitamins and minerals that protect your teeth from decay. With these delicious, smile-friendly snacks, you can enjoy summer guilt-free and keep your teeth happy!
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