St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and if you celebrate, you may already be making plans to wear all-green clothing or indulging in green-colored beer or Irish stouts. Although it can be exciting to let loose and indulge in alcoholic drinks, it’s important to remember that they can negatively impact your smile. Alcohol is highly acidic and can wear down your enamel which leaves your teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay or injury. You wouldn’t want to pay for your celebrations this year with a trip to your dentist’s office as a result.
If you’re looking for a more wholesome way to incorporate some Irish flair into your day, why not fill your plate with these 3 green foods that are good for your grin, instead? Keep reading to learn more!
Food #1: Avocados
Did you know that avocados contain nearly 20 different vitamins and minerals? They’re an excellent source of potassium which protects your mouth against too much acid damage. Plus, they have folic acid as well as vitamin C which both strengthen connective tissues like your gums. On top of that, they are full of dietary fiber for improved digestion and are the only fruit that provides beneficial fatty acids that protect against heart disease.
Whether you eat avocados by themselves, prefer to smear them on toast, or mash them into guacamole, they’ll keep your tummy full and your mouth healthy.
Food #2: Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that can be included in teas, blended into smoothies, used for flavor, or simply placed as a pretty garnish on your dinner plate. It has many nutritional benefits and can improve digestion, boost your immune system, and keep your mouth in good condition. It does the latter by actively killing germs that contribute to issues like tooth decay. Plus, it has high levels of antioxidants to fight infections like gum disease and will leave your breath smelling clean.
Food #3: Lime
This green citrus fruit is often sliced up and added to certain drinks for flavor, making it a great addition to your celebration this year. Like oranges, they’re full of vitamin C to maintain healthy gums by building up the connective tissues to provide a firm foundation for your teeth. They’re also helpful in managing other medical conditions like diabetes because the high levels of soluble fiber regulate the body’s absorption of sugar. That means they can improve your grin and your general well-being at the same time.
It’s easy to incorporate these smile-friendly foods into your St. Patrick’s Day plans to help keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape!
About the Practice
At Holliston Complete Dentistry, patients of all ages benefit from two dental experts who provide a wide range of services all under one roof. Whether you’d like to have a checkup and cleaning to prevent potential pitfalls this spring or develop cavities or gum disease after imbibing too many drinks, they can help! They take the time to get to know you and your unique dental needs so they can provide individualized treatment plans to meet them. Then, using state-of-the-art technology, they deliver precise and long-lasting results. If you’re concerned about the state of your smile, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (508) 429-5300.