September is National Fruits and Veggies Month
The fall harvest is underway and there is an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies to choose from as local growers reap their harvest from the growing season. September is National Fruits and Veggies Month! Healthy teeth benefit from the fresh fruits and veggies because of their nutritional values. A healthy diet can benefit our general health as well as our oral health, so head to the Farmer’s Market and enjoy the bounty of the fall harvest!
Fresh Vegetables and Fruit Benefit Your Teeth in a Variety of Ways
Fresh fruits and veggies are among the best foods for healthy teeth. They contain healthy benefits for your mouth as well as nutritional qualities. Raw fruit and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, are helpful in cleaning plaque from your teeth. Celery also cleans your teeth and is known as nature’s dental floss. The fibrous, crunchy texture is an effective natural cleaner for your teeth and freshens your breath.
These fruits and veggies are firm, crunchy, and they contain a lot of water that produces saliva, which neutralizes citric acids in your mouth. They also help scour away bacteria and food particles. Celery and carrots also contain good sources of beta carotene, which creates Vitamin A in your body; essential for building strong teeth.
Leafy Vegetables and Greens
Leafy greens contain lots of folic acid, from the vitamin B family. Vitamin B supports cell growth throughout the entire body and promotes a healthy mouth.
Dark green foods also contain vitamins A and C, beta carotene, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Phosphorus is stored in your teeth and bones to help your body absorb calcium and magnesium. Phosphorus is an essential mineral, present in many foods they are also packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain and improve oral health.
Fresh Fruits
Apples, pears, strawberries, pineapple, cucumbers, and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, and are loaded with antioxidant vitamins. Raw pears are plentiful in the fall, and they are delicious and they are particularly good at neutralizing the acids in your mouth that cause decay. Vitamin C also benefits mouth tissue and gums from bacterial infection.
Vitamin C is best obtained from the fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of the juices derived from the fruit and vegetables that are typically high in sugar. Many fruit juices are also acidic, which eats away at tooth enamel.
Incorporating More Fruit and Vegetables in Your Diet this National Fruits and Veggies Month
It might seem impossible to eat enough fruit and veggies every day. The following tips from the Have a Plant Organization provides ways to incorporate more fruit and veggies into your diet.
- Half Your Plate – Fill half of your plate with fruits and veggies at every meal and snack.
- Add More – Add extra fruits and vegetables to the recipe you’re following.
- Stay Stocked – Always stock frozen and canned fruits and veggies. Choose fruit and vegetables without added sugar
- Steam and Flavor – Steamed vegetables make great sides.
- Grab and Go – Always have fresh fruits and vegetables in easy-to-grab containers; washed and in a fruit bowl, sliced in the fridge in a sandwich bag, etc.
- Add Fruit – Top your cereal with fruit, or add fruit to your pancake batter.
- Sneak it in – Make chili and replace half of the meat with beans and veggies.
- Smoothies – Fruit and veggie smoothies are filled with nutrients.
Routine Dental Appointments are Also Critical to Your Oral Health
Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS, is committed to providing the most advanced dentistry the dental profession offers. Call our office at (720) 409-0008, or contact us online for an appointment, and pass the kale!
