Autumn Foods for Healthy Teeth

Posted .

Autumn is in full swing, and with it comes plentiful harvests, overflowing farmer’s markets, and preparation for the holiday season.  Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice good food to keep up with healthy dental care! Here are some delicious foods to integrate into your fall diet.

Cheese: All cheese has calcium and protein, which are good for teeth. Cheese is low in sugar–which is also great for mouth health. Goat cheese has more calcium and protein per serving than cow’s milk, and fewer calories! Choose a tasty goat cheese to make your meal really pop with flavor and nutrition.

Apples: Does anything say “September” more than a crisp, tangy apple? Apples are a great way to include some sweetness in your diet without reaching for refined sugar snacks. Whole fruits have natural sugars, which are balanced out by the fiber they also contain. Crisp seasonal fruits, such as apples and pears, have the added benefit of acting as “nature’s toothbrushes”: scraping away plaque and food debris from teeth.

Kale: Dark leafy greens are delicious, and are packed with calcium and other nutrients for a healthy mouth. They are plentiful this time of year, so eat a bunch!

Nuts: A great to add crunch to your dish, nuts also provide protein and nutrients to keep your mouth working properly. They also keep you full and satisfied until your next meal, cutting down on snacking. This benefits your teeth by reducing contact with food throughout the day. Plain toasted nuts are also low in sugar, which is good for your mouth and overall health.

For a tasty, mouth-healthy lunch perfect for your autumn, start with a bed of dark leafy greens, then add chopped apples, crumbly goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a light dressing. Voila!

Now is also the perfect time to schedule your regular dental appointment, to make sure your teeth are healthy and ready for the holidays. If you live in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, call MI Roots Family Dental at 616-453-0002 to schedule your appointment today! Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our staff will be happy to help you keep your smile bright!