September is Fruits and Veggies- More Matters Month and we couldn’t be more excited here at WhiteWing Dental.

We love this holiday as it’s the perfect reminder of how important diet is to not only our body but to our dental health as well. Your McAllen family dentists at WhiteWing Dental encourage you to always nourish your body with a well-balanced diet. A healthy diet can protect you from a variety of health risks including dental issues.

Issues With Sugar

A diet full of sugars can produce acids that dissolve and damage the tooth. Candies, soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and the likes, all have high levels of sugar and acids that can easily lead to cavities and tooth decay.

Unfortunately, tooth decay is one the most common oral health issues today, especially amongst children. Gingivitis is another cause of concern for individuals who eat substantial amounts of sugar without properly taking care of their teeth and gums.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that occurs when bacteria accumulates on the teeth and causes plaque buildup.

While the occasional snack is fine in moderation, there are certain foods that you should consider leaving behind at the grocery store check out as they can cause excessive wear on your enamel, cause cavity-forming bacteria to flourish, and even discoloration of your teeth.

Be cautious of consuming these items:

• Candy: Sugary candy is very sticky and can easily get lodged between your teeth where bacteria accumulates. Hard candy can also crack or chip your teeth!
• Soda: The citric and phosphoric acid in soda are very harmful to tooth enamel. These sugary drinks can corrode teeth and cause cavities.
• Crackers: These starchy snacks form a paste-like substance when chewed up. Plaque can quickly form when cracker goop solidifies on the surfaces of your molars.
• Coffee: Just like it stains mugs, coffee can cause stains on your teeth that can’t be easily brushed away. Ditch the coffee breath and mid-afternoon crash, this sugary beverage is bad for your smile.

Luckily, by eating a well-balanced diet, you can improve the strength and color of your teeth. Include more of these delicious delicacies in your life:

VEGGIES

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, arugula, and a variety of lettuce contain high levels of fiber and water content that aid in digestion. Leafy greens also have loads of vitamins and minerals that are great sources of calcium – an essential nutrient for your teeth. Folic acid in these veggies are also excellent for treating gum disease.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers naturally cleanse your teeth, can increase saliva production which aids in limiting bacteria growth, helps to improve gum health, and can even hydrate you.
• Carrots: This veggie contains substantial amounts of vitamin A and other minerals that help strengthen your teeth. This crunchy veggie increases saliva production and also scrapes away buildup on the surface of your teeth.
• Celery: Vitamins A and C in this water dense vegetable allow teeth to grow strong and stay clean. Crunchy celery cleanses the mouth of bacteria and food particles with its scrubbing like properties.
• Garlic: If you suffer a toothache, a natural home remedy is to hold a glove of garlic onto your tooth for pain relief.

FRUITS

• Strawberries: This naturally colorful treat contains vitamin c, malic acid, and antioxidants that keep your teeth strong and vibrant. Strawberries make a great substitute for candy!
• Apples: Nothing like crunching into a naturally sweet, crisp apple. This scrumptious fruit increases saliva flow and has a high water content that can improve your oral health. The fiber in apples aids in digestion and can cleanse the gums and teeth in between brushings.
• Cranberries: A beneficial property of this berry is the polyphenols it contains which can reduce plaque buildup. All-natural cranberries are a great snack substitute for kids and adults who have a sweet tooth.
• Pears: This refreshing fruit is fibrous and water dense. It actually neutralizes acidity unlike citrus, and is naturally abrasive, which helps keep teeth polished.
• Kiwis: Both sweet and sour, this versatile little fruit is full of vitamin C, which is great for maintaining dental health.

Make the swap for better treats this Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month. And don’t forget to come in for your dental checkup at WhiteWing Dental in McAllen or La Feria.

There are a variety of fruits and vegetables that make great alternatives when you’re in the mood for a sweet or crunchy snack. By swapping out traditional junk foods for nature’s candy, you will feel energized, and look better too.

Also, make sure to maintain a healthy daily oral hygiene routine and visit your McAllen family dentist at WhiteWing Dental for regular checkups to ensure that your smile is as vibrant and as healthy as it ought to be.