Teeth-Friendly Summer Treats

It’s summer – this means fresh produce is abundant! Your teeth, gums, and tissues always depend upon a mix of vitamins and minerals to help maintain oral health, all year round. In fact, the nutrients in fruits and veggies (such as potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants) have all been linked to a reduced risk for heart disease and cancer, including oral cancer.

Here is a list of the healthiest (and yummiest!) summer treats:

• Tomatoes – Tomatoes are surprising in that they’re actually a fruit (it’s true!) and they double as amazing cancer warriors! Tomatoes are also high in lycopene, which can protect your skin from sunburns, and in crucial antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin A, which work to prevent DNA damage.
• Watermelon – True to their name, watermelons have very high water content (they’re 92% water!), which dilutes the affects of the natural sugars they contain and stimulates the production of saliva. Eating foods high in water content can help you feel fuller on fewer calories, aiding in weight loss. Finally, in addition to helping you stay hydrating during summer months, watermelon also contains skin-protecting lycopene. The most amazing summer fruit!
• Strawberries – This juicy, delicious fruit is considered a super food! Strawberries are rich in nutrients and full of antioxidants like vitamin C, which can aid in cancer prevention. Strawberries also promote eye health, help ward off bad cholesterol and regulate your blood pressure.
• Apples – Put down the whitening strips, because apples can help naturally whiten your teeth! Biting and chewing an apple can help stimulate saliva production in your mouth, which washes away the bacteria and harmful acids that can accumulate on your teeth and cause decay. Eating an apple a day is also very heart healthy and has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease.