Summertime Meals for a Strong Smile, Shared by Our Pediatric Dentist in San Antonio
Summer is right around the corner! We’re getting warmed up, so it’s time to have some of your favorite foods and drinks. In between, make sure that your snacks and indulgences are safe for your smile. Below, our San Antonio pediatric dentist shares summertime foods that are tasty, full of flavor, and healthy for your teeth and gums.
Fruits
The summer
brings some of the most refreshing, delicious fruits, many of which are
beneficial for your smile. Don’t forget – while these fruits are nutritious in
many ways, they are also acidic and have the ability to break down your enamel
if you’re eating them too much and too often. When you’re enjoying these
fruits, pair them with minimal-acidic foods like almonds and wash them down
with a glass of water.
While apples
are commonly picked in the fall, there are variations that grow in the summer.
Apples increase saliva production, which wash away bacteria and food particles
built up between your teeth and other hard-to-reach places. The harder texture
of the apples also enhances your gums, as well.
Other great
fruits to enjoy are strawberries and peaches. Strawberries are high in vitamin
C, which minimize inflammation and produce a protein that combats periodontal
(gum) disease. Peaches naturally contain fluoride, which enables the
remineralization and reconstruction of enamel while also strengthening your
existing enamel. They are also filled with vitamin C and calcium to strengthen
your teeth.
Cheese
Seasonal
cheeses, much like vegetables and fruits, have beneficial ingredients for your
smile. Choices like feta cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella contain
calcium and protein that reinforce your teeth and bones. They also stimulate
the production of saliva, which assists in cleaning the bacteria and food
particle build-up in your mouth.
Meats and
Fish
Grilling is
a favorite pastime in the summer, so be sure to include some of the healthier
options for your smile! Lean meats like turkey and chicken and fatty fishes are
rich in protein and contain phosphorus, which assist in fortifying your jaw and
teeth. Combine that with delicious sides like leafy greens (compromised with
vitamin A that produces enamel) and even a side of beans, which are high in
fiber, and you’ve got a smile-friendly meal!
Looking for other summertime foods that will strengthen your smile? Simply give our San Antonio pediatric dentist a call at (210) 510-2862 and we’ll happily help!