As you get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you might have a party planned with your loved ones or friends. You might want to have a wide range of treats and drinks available, but many of them are dyed green to be more festive. However, they are often sugary, increasing your risk of oral health issues. The good news is that there are naturally colored options that can actually boost your smile. Here are three to have for you and your guests.
Support Your Gums with These Green Fruits
For a party, a spread is often a good choice as people can grab what they like. Having fruit on it can be even better because they are naturally sweet while also being rich in nutrients your body needs.
Kiwis and Granny Smith apples are some great things to have because they are green, but also full of vitamin C. This is essential for gum health as it supports collagen production and reduces inflammation, which can help prevent periodontal disease. Not only that, but apples are also full of vitamin A, which can help avoid dry mouth.
Scrub Your Smile with These Tasty Veggies
Other options you can have on your spread of broccoli, celery, cucumbers, and green bell peppers. These crunchy options are not only satisfying to eat, but the texture of them can help scrub teeth. They can clean off harmful plaque and food debris while also increasing saliva production. Have hummus or yogurt-based dips nearby, and you might notice they are a popular choice that people can’t get enough of.
Strengthen Your Teeth with These Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, like spinach or kale, are also great to have. They are full of calcium, which will help your teeth be strong. With nutrients that also support your gums, they are low in sugar and high in fiber as well. This essentially makes them a great way to support your mouth and body!
You can have these options in a salad, or have a smoothie bar to make themed smoothies. For instance, a handful of spinach, bananas, mangoes, and pineapples can turn into a tasty drink you may love.
In the end, you should steer clear of the dyed sweets that many get for St. Patrick’s Day. Stick to the naturally green foods above, and you can support you and your guests’ oral health while you celebrate this holiday.
About the Author
Dr. Javier Perez earned his first dental degree at the University of Medicine in Cuba and his second at UCLA. He now has nearly 25 years of experience that he uses to give the Tyler community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Perez is happy to help you avoid oral health issues with preventive care. By catching problems early, you can get the prompt treatment you deserve. If you want to make sure your smile is in good shape after St. Patrick’s Day, schedule an appointment or call his office at (903) 534-8110.