It is fall in Toronto! Along with falling leaves, cooler temperatures, and the return of sweaters, this season also encourages our palates to embrace warm, comfort foods that align with fall tastes.
However, not all fall treats are good for our teeth. For example, that pumpkin-spiced latte you look forward to sipping every October can contain up to 50 grams of sugar. According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 36 grams of sugar and women only 25 grams per day, making that latte twice the amount of sugar women should consume daily. All that sugar will promote the production of acids in your mouth that will eat away at your tooth enamel, potentially leading to tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis.
The good news is there are plenty of fall-snacking options that will help protect your teeth from harm and give you a bright, beautiful smile all the way through to winter.
Fall foods for healthy gums and teeth
We have selected some healthy fall foods for oral health that will satisfy your cravings for seasonal flavours. Have a look and give them a try!
Pumpkins
As mentioned, pumpkin-spiced lattes are not the best choice to protect your teeth from harm. However, pumpkins on their own are a tremendous tooth-friendly food option. They are full of Vitamin A, which promotes gum health and strong tooth enamel. Pumpkins offer a good dose of magnesium, which also boosts tooth enamel. A warm pumpkin soup is the perfect way to enjoy its unique flavour while protecting your teeth.
Pumpkin seeds
Do not throw the seeds out when carving out the Jack O’ Lantern! Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which plays a critical role in fighting tooth decay and gum diseases such as gingivitis. Roast the seeds in the oven with a bit of olive oil and salt for a crunchy snack that also helps increase saliva production, which is essential in neutralizing the acids that can bore holes in teeth and can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and tooth infection.
Nuts
Nuts are a convenient snack that goes hand-in-hand with earthy comfort foods associated with the fall. They also contain calcium and phosphorus, important elements for strengthening teeth. You can enjoy nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews on their own, sprinkled onto a salad, or as part of other wholesome recipes, but avoid chewy bars with nuts as they contain a high amount of sugar that can be harmful to teeth.
Cheese
Who enjoys cheese in the fall? Everyone! With more than 1,800 types of cheese to choose from, you will never run out of delicious options packed with calcium that supports tooth enamel. They also contribute to the fight against acids that can cause tooth erosion, which leads to cavities.
Cranberries
Cranberries are in season during the fall, making them the perfect snack to spread onto toast or as a classic accompaniment to the family Thanksgiving turkey! They are high in Vitamin C, which helps fight inflammation, and also contain polyphenols that help keep bacteria from sticking to teeth. Making homemade cranberry sauce allows you to reduce the sugar often included in canned versions.
Carrots
These crunchy, nutritious vegetables are available all year round because they store well, but the fall harvest is the best time to enjoy them. Their firm, fibrous texture helps to clean teeth and stimulates saliva production. Also, they are packed with calcium, keratins, and A, B, and C vitamins for strong teeth and healthy gums, whether enjoyed
on their own, as a side dish, or in a warm, comforting bowl of carrot soup.
Apples
Similar to the old saying, we like to say: “An apple a day keeps the dentist away!” Although apples are popular in ciders and pies in the fall, they are best enjoyed in their natural state. Apples are high in water content and fibre, which help aid in saliva production to keep your teeth as clean as possible between brushings.
Kale
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy kale as part of a salad or as a sauteed side dish. Kale is excellent for oral health as it contains a high amount of calcium, which helps repair enamel and reduces your risk of tooth decay. It also contains B vitamins and folic acid that support gum health and protect sensitive gum tissue from periodontal disease.
Water
After staying hydrated during the hot, humid Toronto summer, we might forget how important water is when temperatures begin to dip in the fall. However, the link between hydration and oral health in fall remains critical. Water is essential to supporting healthy teeth by washing away food particles, elevating saliva levels, and acting as a natural cavity fighter. Be sure to drink plenty of water with your meals and rinse your mouth with water after eating to remove any loose food particles before they have a chance to stick to your teeth.
Yonge Eglinton Dental – Fall dental care for the entire family
The team at Yonge Eglinton Dental are your partners in every aspect of your dental health, including making recommendations on the best fall foods that will promote healthy teeth and gums while helping you fight cavities and gingivitis.
Fall is full of opportunities to smile. Ask us today how we can help your whole family have the brightest, most beautiful smiles at Thanksgiving, Halloween, and all the other fun fall events that bring the people you love closer together.
Learn more about tooth-friendly fall foods from the dental experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
When it comes to optimizing your oral health at any time of year, talk to our dental health team. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great, are strong and healthy, and are as free from dental issues as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
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