With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, you may be getting excited for the pop of green that’ll ensue. A wide range of treats, drinks, and foods will likely be dyed green to get into the spirit of the holiday. However, they can cause dental stains if you aren’t careful! To ensure your oral health and aesthetic smile don’t falter, here are three naturally green foods that are good for your grin.
Green Fruits That Support Your Gums
If you are throwing a party for your friends and loved ones, then you might want to consider having a spread of fruit. While these come in many colors, kiwis and Granny Smith apples are especially good ones to have! Not only do they match the holiday, but they are great for grins.
Both options are rich in vitamin C. This is a necessary nutrient that keeps your gums strong. It can reduce inflammation and support collagen production, so you can prevent periodontal disease. Apples also have vitamin A, which is helpful in avoiding dry mouth.
Veggies That Can Keep Your Smile Clean
Other options you can add to your spread include green bell peppers, cucumbers, celery. and broccoli. These are crunchy options that can be satisfying to chew, but the texture can scrub teeth clean. They help remove food particles and plaque while encouraging saliva production; that way, you can wash away harmful bacteria. Pair these options with hummus or yogurt-based dips, and they might become a popular choice people reach for.
Leafy Greens That Strengthen Your Teeth
Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are more vegetables that you should have. These are rich in calcium, which can keep your tooth enamel strong. Not only that, but they also have other nutrients that keep your gums healthy as well. They are low in sugar and high in fiber, so they are great to have as they support your mouth and body.
You can have these options as a salad, but you can also add them to St. Patrick’s Day-themed smoothies. For instance, blending up a handful of spinach, bananas, mangoes, and pineapples can give you a tasty drink you can’t get enough of.
In the end, this green-filled holiday coming up doesn’t have to lead to stains and oral health issues. Stick to the options above, and you can make sure your smile stays in its best shape while you celebrate.
About the Author
Dr. Steve Cha earned his dental degree from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He has since completed countless hours of continuing education, allowing him to give the McKinney community the high-quality care they deserve.
Dr. Cha offers a wide range of treatments from preventive care to cosmetic dentistry, so you can avoid dental problems and get the aesthetic grin you dream of in one place. If you want to make sure your teeth shine for your St. Patrick’s Day plans, schedule an appointment or call his office at (972) 529-1800.