Savor the season with summer food choices for healthy teeth
Delicious options can satisfy your cravings and promote oral health
Our great summer weather, festivals and family outings have a way of featuring a variety of delightful foods. It is important to keep our dental health in mind when indulging in seasonal treats. The good news is there are plenty of mouth-watering options available that offer the double benefits of tasting great and promoting strong, healthy teeth.
Here are some options you may not have even considered when it comes to enjoying summer with a healthier twist:
Frozen yogurt – There is no question that ice cream is a summertime favorite in Wisconsin. However, its high sugar content can wreak havoc on your dental health. Frozen yogurt is a great alternative, satisfying your sweet tooth and supporting strong teeth and bones by being low in sugar and rich in calcium. Choose plain or Greek frozen yogurt if possible, and add fresh fruits or a sprinkle of nuts for extra flavor.
Grilled veggies – Have you ever tried grilling your vegetables? You might be pleasantly surprised how tasty they are. Add some color, flavor and essential vitamins to your meal with grilled bell peppers, zucchini and asparagus. Swap in veggies instead of the sugary marinades and BBQ sauces that are popular with grilled meats. Those sauces cling to your teeth and encourage bacteria growth.
Fresh fruit popsicles – Store-bought popsicles are typically loaded with sugars and artificial flavors. You can make your own fruit popsicles using fresh, ripe fruits. Blend your choice of berries, watermelon, mango and other fruits with a splash of water, and then pour the mixture into molds and freeze to create a refreshing and tooth-friendly treat. As an added bonus, the fresh fruits contain important nutrients that promote gum health.
Iced herbal tea – It’s tempting to reach for a sugary soft drink or energy drink on a hot day, but they are not good for your teeth. Instead, stay hydrated and protect your teeth with a refreshing herbal tea. Brew flavors such as mint, hibiscus or chamomile for a burst of flavor without all the sugars and acids.
Nut butter – Almond butter or peanut butter spread on whole-grain crackers or apple slices are better oral health alternatives to the candies, taffies and sticky sweets that can cling to your teeth. Even though peanut butter contains sugar, you can minimize the negative effects by rinsing your mouth with water.
Satisfy your cravings with treats like these without compromising your oral health. Your teeth and gums will be happy you did.
About Janssen Dental Clinic in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Janssen Dental Clinic features the dental expertise of Dr. Craig Janssen, a third-generation dentist serving patients in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area. Dr. Craig and his staff specialize in oral health as a component of overall well-being, a philosophy of care known as biological dentistry. They have expertise in reducing the fear and anxiety that people of all ages feel over going to the dentist, with services ranging from routine cleanings to restorative and cosmetic procedures. Call (920) 983-8383 to schedule an appointment. New patients are always welcome.