Acidity balance, texture, and food proteins all play an important role in healthy teeth and gums. Antioxidant-rich eats and indulgent melt in your mouth low sugar sweets can help banish bad breath while naturally whitening teeth. Enjoy sweet celebrations with these 3 smile-friendly treats to benefit oral health.
1. Melt in Your Mouth Treats
Dark chocolate reigns as a smile-friendly choice for sweet celebrations. Cacao, the main ingredient in cacao nibs and dark chocolate, is the perfect indulgence for healthy teeth and gums. Healthline reports, cocoa contains antibacterial, anti-enzymatic, and immune-stimulating compounds that can benefit oral health. The polyphenols found in cocoa can prevent oral bacteria from developing sugar into acids. It can also help neutralize oral microorganisms that cause bad breath. Studies show bioactive compounds in cocoa powder and dark chocolate also help fight inflammation. Cacao beans are a top dietary source for magnesium and are high in antioxidants, iron, and fiber. Even better, cacao and dark chocolate contain very little to no sugar.
2. Alluring Antioxidant and Vitamin C Fruits
Pair melt-in-your-mouth chocolate with antioxidant and Vitamin C-rich fruits. Eating antioxidant-rich kiwis, strawberries, apples, pears, and pineapples, as well as other produce high in vitamin C, aids in the growth and repair of tissues throughout the body. Vitamin C boosts immunity, increasing blood cell production to destroy toxins in body tissue while improving resistance against infection, including gum disease and tooth decay. Vitamin C plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen in dentin to strengthen the structure of teeth. Better yet, an Ohio State University study conducted by researchers in their department of food science and technology discovered apples can effectively banish bad breath, and the malic acid found in strawberries acts as an astringent to remove surface discoloration to naturally whiten teeth. That’s great news for lovers of dark chocolate-dipped fruit treats.
3. Crunchy and Calcium-Rich Snacks for Charcuterie Boards
Pair a yogurt dip with crunchy vegetables, nuts, and a variety of dairy cheeses on a charcuterie board to share with your sweetie. Calcium-rich dairy foods are great for strong teeth and bones. Yogurt consumption can also decrease bacteria buildup often found in dental plaque and can even fight bad breath. Crunchy nuts can break up stickiness and plaque buildup on teeth to help decrease the chance of cavities forming.
Mouth and heart health go hand in hand. Making good food and beverage choices when it comes to eating treats will lead to improved dental health and brighter smiles. The best foods for dental health include nature’s candy, fruit, with options low in acidity. Healthy, organic snacks with a crunchy texture are even better since they brush against teeth. The American Heart Association offers additional insight on heart-healthy treat ideas for sweet celebrations.
Ditch sugary sweets for smile-friendly melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolates, antioxidant-rich fruits, dairy cheese, textured nuts, and crunchy vegetables. Brush, floss, and drink plenty of water after enjoying treats during sweet celebrations and show your smile some love with an improved oral health care routine. Contact Three Rivers Dental Group by calling 1-855-NO FEARS or request an appointment online for an oral health checkup and cleaning. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, Greensburg, and Jennerstown.