As much as we look forward to summer, this season can be hard on your teeth. Hot temperatures cause dehydration, which increases your chance of developing dry mouth and tooth decay. Plus, most common summer snacks are filled with sugar.
Increased sugar consumption is bad for your oral health. Sugar residue sticks to your teeth and along the gum line, resulting in plaque and acid that eats away at your tooth enamel.
Consequently, it’s very important to be mindful of your sugar intake and choose healthier snacks instead. To help you do this, we will suggest six refreshing and tasty summer snack ideas that promote tooth health, not harm it!
6 Summer Snack Ideas
1. Whole fruits
Whole fruits are great summer snacks since their high water content helps you stay hydrated. They’re also full of important vitamins and minerals, many of which are vital for strong and healthy teeth. Plus, fruit is naturally sweet. It’s a healthy way to satisfy your sugar cravings on hot days, without compromising your oral or overall health.
Unlike processed sugary snacks, fruit contains dietary fibre. When you take a bite of an apple or pear, for example, the fibre provides a little scrubbing action for your teeth. This helps clean your teeth as you eat.
The water in the fruit, meanwhile, washes away much of the sugars that could otherwise stick to your teeth. Since you’re more hydrated, your mouth is producing enough saliva to flush lingering sugars and residue effectively.
Apples, pears, watermelons, grapes, bananas, oranges, pineapples, cantaloupes, mangos, and berries all make for tasty summer snacks. You can eat these raw or chop up a variety to make a fruit salad. Try drizzling orange juice over the fruit salad to add moisture and increase its deliciousness.
Alternatively, place fruit into the freezer for a cold, tasty treat. Grapes, berries, bananas, and pineapples taste wonderful frozen. They’re also extra refreshing—like a natural mini-popsicle. Just be careful; you don’t want to bite into anything too frozen. You could damage your teeth.
2. Icy citrus popsicles
You can also make healthy, tooth-friendly popsicles using freshly squeezed citrus juice. Oranges, lemon, and grapefruit are great candidates for these homemade treats. To add a touch of sweetness and balance out the tartness, add a small amount of honey or natural sweetener.
Another homemade popsicle recipe involves blending several types of fruit into a slushy purée. Then, pour into a popsicle mould and freeze for a few hours. We recommend combining watermelon, strawberries, and lime juice. These are naturally sweet, but made from 100% real fruit, making them a healthy alternative to traditional, sugary popsicles.
3. Frozen yogurt bites
Frozen treats are very refreshing on those hot summer days; however, most aren’t very good for your teeth. Store-bought ice cream, popsicles, and ice cream bars are all packed with sugar, which can cause cavities and tooth decay. Fortunately, you can create homemade versions that satisfy your sweet tooth without harming your actual teeth (for instance, frozen yogurt bites or tubes).
Yogurt is full of calcium, a crucial component of strong teeth and bones. When frozen, it becomes an ice cream-like treat that everyone in the family will love. You can place tubes of yogurt in the freezer for a quick snack or make frozen yogurt bites.
To make the bites, fill a lined muffin tin with plain or flavoured Greek yogurt and any optional toppings (like granola, sliced almonds, or berries). Freeze for a few hours before enjoying it.
4. Crunchy vegetables
Are you craving something crunchy? Reach for a handful of vegetables instead of potato chips. Chips may be the standard party food; however, they contain sticky starches that coat your teeth and linger in your mouth. Some flavours also have a surprising amount of sugar, which isn’t good for your teeth either.
Vegetables, on the other hand, still deliver a satisfying crunch, but in a healthier package. Crunchy vegetables are high in fibre. Consequently, they act like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing your teeth and stimulating saliva production. The saliva washes away any lingering food particles. They’re also low in sugar and rich in vitamins.
Raw carrot sticks, celery, broccoli, and cauliflower pair well with a healthy dip, like hummus or a homemade Greek yogurt dip. Hummus adds protein, whereas Greek yogurt offers calcium.
5. Cool smoothies
You can combine many of these healthy snack ingredients into a delicious, cooling, and nutritious smoothie. Simply add fruit, yogurt, and even certain vegetables into a blender and whirl away.
Bananas, in particular, add a thickness and creaminess to smoothies. By including more bananas and less liquid, you can create “nice-cream.” The texture is comparable to that of ice cream, but without the high sugar content. To make it vegan, use a plant-based milk or yogurt instead of dairy.
For even more nutritional value, add a few leafy greens. If you’re afraid of the smoothie tasting too “green,” try throwing in some berries for a natural burst of sweetness.
6. Infused water
Staying hydrated is vital, especially on hot summer days. Although you may be tempted to reach for a sugary soda or lemonade when you feel thirsty, these are not good options for your teeth.
Every time you take a sip of a super-sweet beverage, you effectively bathe your teeth in sugar. All that sugar then sticks to your teeth, increasing your chance of developing tooth decay. Consequently, water is the healthiest beverage available.
However, you can still have a little fun with your water by infusing it with herbs or fruit! This creates a delicious and refreshing beverage that won’t harm your teeth. There are endless possibilities depending on your flavour preferences.
For example, add cucumber, lemon, and mint leaves to ice-cold water for a revitalizing and cooling drink. Alternatively, opt for strawberry, orange, and basil for something a bit sweeter.
More Summer Tips for Healthy Teeth
- Drink enough water. Staying hydrated ensures adequate saliva production and washes away sugar and food residue.
- Maintain your oral hygiene habits, no matter how busy those summer days get! Brush twice a day, floss once daily, and use mouthwash after meals.
- Visit your Bloor West Smiles dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. If you’re going on vacation, stop by for a pre-holiday exam to ensure your mouth is healthy.
Dental Clinic Services From Bloor West Smiles
Bloor West Smiles is proud to offer a wide range of dental clinic services from highly experienced dental professionals. These include general and family dentistry, children’s dentistry, senior dental care, and emergency dental care. Our clinic provides oral health services for every age!
To learn more about our dental clinic services in Bloor West, call Bloor West Smiles at 416-766-2853 or contact us here.
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