If you are planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your friends and family, you might be getting the food situation down. While you may be tempted to buy green sweets or dyed drinks, many of them can cause trouble for your smile. Thankfully, there are healthier alternatives that are just as colorful while also being teeth-friendly. Here are three that you should have for your party.
Green Fruits: Boosts Your Gum Health
A spread is often a great choice for a gathering, as people will be able to graze and snack on what they like. You can make it better by having the right things on it. For instance, filling it with a wide range of fruits can be a sweet option that’s nutritious. There are also naturally green ones that fit into the holiday!
Kiwis and Granny Smith apples are some that are rich in vitamin C. This is crucial for healthy gums as it supports collagen production while also reducing inflammation, which helps prevent periodontal disease. Apples are also packed with vitamin A, meaning they aid in stopping dry mouth. Other options you can also consider are honeydew melons, pears, and green grapes.
Crunchy Veggies: Scrubs Teeth
On that same spread, you can have several vegetables as well. Broccoli, green bell peppers, celery, and cucumbers are crunchy options that many hands might reach for. Their texture makes them fun to eat, but they are beneficial as well. They can scrub off a bit of plaque on teeth while also promoting saliva production. Pair these with hummus or a yogurt-based dip, and you might have people asking for more!
Leafy Greens: Packed with Vitamins and Nutrients
Aside from the veggies above, leafy greens (such as kale or spinach) are another great choice! They are rich in calcium, which can help make sure teeth stay strong. With other nutrients that support your gums, being low in sugar and high in fiber, they might just be an optimal all-around option to support your oral and overall health.
Many like to have these in a salad, but a smoothie bar can also be good. For instance, blending up a handful of spinach along with pineapples, mangoes, and bananas can become a tasty drink you might want seconds of.
To make a long story short, steer clear of dyed things this St. Patrick’s Day. Support your smile by opting for the naturally green foods above; that way, you can make sure your smile stays strong.
About the Practice
At Longmont Complete Dentistry, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are dedicated to helping the local community get the healthy set of teeth and gums they love with preventive care. By being proactive about oral health issues, we can stop them in their tracks or give you the effective treatment you need. If you want to make sure your grin is in great shape after St. Patrick’s Day, schedule an appointment or call our office at (303) 772-7000.