Healthy Summer Foods

It's summer—that wonderful time of year when fresh and delicious produce abounds. Dr. Song will tell you that your teeth, gums, and tissues all rely on an appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals to maintain good oral health no matter what time of year. In previous studies, nutrients in fruits and vegetables such as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants have all been associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and cancers, including oral cancer.

Here are four foods we want you to enjoy this summer to help support a healthy mouth:

Watermelons and Strawberries

Watermelons have high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain and stimulates the flow of saliva. Research also shows that eating foods full of water—watermelon is 92 percent water—helps keep you satisfied on fewer calories. In addition to containing skin-protecting lycopene, eating watermelon can help you stay hydrated during the summer months, which also helps keep your body cool.

Strawberries are juicy and delicious, and they're also considered a superfood. Nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C, strawberries also promote eye health, help fight bad cholesterol, and regulate blood pressure.

Apples

Did you know consuming apples can help you attain healthier teeth? Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, and in the process, lowers the levels of bacteria and other harmful acids, leading to a lower likelihood of tooth decay. Apple consumption can also boost your immune system and support heart health.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy snack. The red fruit contains lycopene and nutrients including niacin, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin A.