Skip To Content Skip ToContent
A+ A- A Main Content

Healthiest Summer Foods

It’s summer, which means fresh produce is abundant! No matter what time of year it is, your teeth, gums, and tissues all depend upon a mix of vitamins and minerals to help maintain your oral health. In fact, nutrients in fruits and veggies (like dietary fiber, antioxidants and potassium) have all been associated with a reduced risk for heart disease and cancers, including oral cancer.

Here are a few of our favorite healthy summer snacks:

  • Apples – Put down the whitening strips, because apples can help naturally whiten your teeth! Biting and chewing an apple can help stimulate saliva production in your mouth, which washes away the bacteria and harmful acids that can accumulate on your teeth and cause decay. Eating an apple a day is also very heart healthy and has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease.
  • Tomatoes – Tomatoes are surprising in that they’re actually a fruit (it’s true!) and they double as amazing cancer warriors! Tomatoes are also high in lycopene, which can protect your skin from sunburns, and in crucial antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin A, which work to prevent DNA damage.
  • Strawberries – This amazing fruit is considered a superfood! Strawberries are rich in nutrients and packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, which can aid in cancer prevention. Strawberries also promote eye health, help ward off bad cholesterol and regulate your blood pressure.
  • Watermelon – True to their name, watermelons have very high water content (they’re 92% water, in fact), which dilutes the affects of the natural sugars they contain and stimulates the production of saliva. Eating foods full of water can help you feel fuller on fewer calories. Finally, in addition to helping you stay hydrating during summer months, watermelon also contains skin-protecting lycopene. The most amazing summer fruit!

Posted on Jul 13, 2015

Image Credit: © Dreamstime.com

Share:

Archives

Mar 10, 2025, 8:27 PM
During your teenage years, your body undergoes many changes that can impact oral health. Unfortunately, these changes are…
Feb 24, 2025, 8:50 PM
Dental sealants are an effective way to protect teeth from cavities. They are thin, protective coatings applied on the back…
Feb 10, 2025, 10:18 PM
Good oral health starts young, and the role of pediatric dentistry is essential in teaching children how to care for their…
Jan 27, 2025, 5:01 PM
Did you know that what your child eats can affect their dental health as they grow up? A balanced diet is not only important…
Jan 13, 2025, 8:07 PM
Going to the dentist can make some children – and even plenty of adults – feel nervous or scared. Dental anxiety is fairly…