Sweet, Sweet Summertime!

Hi Critters,

Oswald Here! What tastes better on a warm summer day than some fresh, local foods? Summer can be a special time but also a tricky time for eating. With many cookouts and beach trips, it can be very easy to get caught in the circle of drinking sugary drinks and grabbing some candy from the store checkout line. But this is also a great time for some local, fresh-picked fruits and veggies. Let’s talk about easy summer foods that are good for your heart AND teeth!

This time of year, my family and I love anytime that we get to pick fruits and vegetables freshly. This year, we visited Keene, NH, for some fresh strawberries, Monadnock Berries in Troy, NH, for some delicious blueberries, and, of course, our own family garden for lots and lots of vegetables! Growing our own food has become so rewarding. My family and I love watching life sprout from a tiny seed!

There are many different textures of foods, and the different textures help different parts of our oral cavity.

Fibrous Foods: This texture of food helps clean your teeth. Celery, carrots, and cucumbers are all great options as they are harder in texture. If you are growing these vegetables in your garden, beware of critters trying to eat your gardens at night. 😉

Natural Whitening: Did you know that strawberries can be a natural tooth whitener? Strange for such a red fruit, huh? Strawberries have an enzyme called malic acid. This enzyme helps remove plaque and stains, leading to a whiter tooth appearance. Although this is a desirable quality, make sure to always brush after eating acidic foods!

Nourishing Foods: Foods that strengthen your teeth are always good for summertime. Cheese, yogurt, and leafy greens are all nourishing. I love picking fresh greens from our family’s garden! We make salads with lettuce, kale, and spinach. A summer cheese board is also a big hit in my family! Less cooking keeps the heat down in the kitchen, too. 😉

Eating healthy and clean is always our top priority in the summer!

Stay cool and stay flossy,
Oswald 😊