With the summer months on the way, paying attention to your family’s oral health can quickly become an afterthought. While many summer activities support excellent general health, oral health can become an issue if you don’t pay close attention. You can adjust your diet and take other steps to ensure lasting oral health.
Why you need to watch your dental health this summer.
Summer brings plenty of good things, but it also poses risks to healthy teeth. Typical summer treats are among the most notable culprits. Favorites like ice cream, popsicles, lemonade, and even sports drinks are loaded with sugar that contributes to both tooth decay and gum disease.
While these treats may be okay on occasion, making them a major part of your diet can lead to cavities, toothaches, and other issues. Instead, focus on a more varied diet featuring a wide range of healthy foods to help ensure both oral and general health.
How a healthy diet protects your smile.
First, avoiding excess sugar helps prevent both tooth decay and gum disease. Bacteria in your mouth rely on sugary foods for energy. These bacteria are responsible for a wide range of oral health issues, and your diet plays a key role in keeping their numbers low.
However, there are other important areas of nutrition to consider. You need to make sure that you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals to support healthy gums and teeth. Calcium is the most well-known example, but you also need vitamins A, C, and D and minerals like magnesium and zinc. A varied diet can help meet those requirements.
Top tooth-friendly foods to enjoy this summer.
There are many steps you can take to protect your smile, and taking the time to plan and cook recipes with tooth-friendly foods is among the most effective. Try out these summer recipes to protect your health while exploring exciting new dishes.
Bring Salmon to the Barbecue
If you’re looking to boost your oral health, salmon is one of the most effective ways to do so. It’s filled with vitamin D and calcium, both of which support strong teeth and gums. It’s also an easy addition to any barbecue and cooks easily when wrapped in foil.
You can also combine it with some dark leafy greens for even more vital nutrients. Salmon goes very well with kale or cabbage, making a meal that supports both general and oral health.
Go for a Different Kind of Crunch
It’s all too easy to fall into the habit of picking up a bag of chips as a side dish for summer meals. However, those chips can be detrimental to your teeth, as small pieces end up being left behind to feed bacteria. Instead, consider sticking to vegetables to satisfy your craving for a good crunch.
Vegetables, such as carrots and celery are both quickly and easily chopped into a convenient snack. Depending on the tastes of your family, you might also consider broccoli or cherry tomatoes. You can also try out a range of dips while still staying much, much healthier than chips or other options.
Try Out Homemade Popsicles
If you’re picking up popsicles off the store shelves, then you’re choosing a snack that’s completely loaded with sugar. While popsicles in general aren’t very tooth-friendly, you can make your own at home for an occasional treat.
Instead of using refined and processed fruit juices, you can blend fruits and freeze them in popsicle molds. This reduces the amount of sugar and ensures that you get the full benefit of the fruit’s many vitamins and minerals. Options, such as watermelon, honeydew, apples, strawberries, and blueberries are all great choices.
Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated
No matter what you’re eating this summer, make sure to follow it with plenty of water. Drinking water frequently helps wash away bits of food, leaving less for bacteria. Water is a better choice than any sugary drink and lets you enjoy refreshing hydration throughout the day without any negative impact on your oral health.
Take the necessary steps to maintain your oral health.
It’s also important to keep up with other areas of maintaining your oral health during the summer. Don’t let your oral hygiene routine fall out of order, or you could be dealing with a wide range of issues. Make sure to watch for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease and visit your dentist right away.
Don’t let routine dental care fall by the wayside this summer. Instead, schedule your regular appointment with Millenium Dental for the best in prevention to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. You can book your next appointment today.
