One of the things we love most about the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood of Toronto is the many opportunities to get outside for fun activities – even in the winter!
Whether you want to get outdoors with your family, need somewhere safe to take your dog for a run, or simply want a brisk walk in a quiet setting, here are our choices for the four best parks for outdoor activities at Yonge and Eglinton that not only give your overall health a boost but also help you enjoy a bright, beautiful smile!
Sherwood Park
This picturesque wooded park in the valley just east of Mount Pleasant Road is very popular with local families. It features two wading pools, quiet walking or running trails, a large playground, picnic tables, and a fenced-in off-leash area for dogs. Free parking near the main entrance on Sherwood Avenue makes accessing this fantastic green space easy when travelling by car.
Eglinton Park
This 9-hectare space on Eglinton Avenue West, just west of Yonge Street, is a sports lover’s dream! It offers five immense multipurpose sports fields, four tennis courts, two ball diamonds, a children’s playground, a large family wading pool, and a labyrinth for meditative walking. In the winter, there are also two outdoor ice rinks for family skating. Free parking is available on the side streets in the surrounding neighbourhood, or you can park in the paid lot at the adjacent North Toronto Memorial Community Centre.
Blythwood Ravine Park
This tranquil forested ravine will make you forget you are in the heart of Canada’s largest city! Blythwood Park is a lush stretch of trail that provides people with an escape from the urban landscape while providing homes to a diverse array of local wildlife. The trail starts at the picturesque Alexander Muir Gardens at Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue East and runs along the creek to Sherwood Park. The ravine is also popular for providing a shady respite on hot, sunny days.
June Rowlands Park
This park may be the smallest of the four, but its 2.6 hectares still offers outdoor fun for the whole family! Enjoy six tennis courts, a ball diamond, a volleyball court, a dog-friendly area, and a splash pad. The ample playground is named after Sharon, Lois, and Bram to honour this musical trio’s contributions to children’s entertainment and Canadian culture.
How outdoor activities support optimal oral health
Most people understand the correlation between outdoor activities and mental, physical, and emotional health. However, getting outside for fun and exercise is also good for the health of your teeth and gums!
Here are a few of the ways outdoor activities at Yonge and Eglinton support optimal oral health:
Stress reduction
Having fun in the outdoors is the perfect stressbuster for people with hectic lives. Relieving stress also helps fight a common dental condition known as bruxism.
Bruxism is the action of grinding one’s teeth together, which can result from an unconscious response to stress. Grinding teeth can wear down your enamel, the hard outer surface of your teeth, exposing the soft tissue underneath. This condition can lead to tooth pain, tooth decay, and, if left untreated, even tooth loss.
By reducing stress through outdoor activity, you are minimizing the chances of developing the habit of grinding your teeth and helping them stay strong and healthy.
Staying hydrated
Outdoor activities promote good hydration all year round, including in winter when the air is dry. Drinking water while enjoying outdoor fun replenishes your body of fluids and keeps your mouth hydrated, preventing your mouth from becoming dry. A dry mouth affects saliva production, which is essential to keeping your mouth clean from any food particles or bacteria that can lead to cavities. Water also helps prevent bad breath, which no one enjoys.
Be sure to drink water during outdoor activities to keep your mouth clean and bacteria-free!
Nutritional choices
Bringing healthy snacks to your outdoor activities and family picnics is a great way to keep your energy level high so you get the most out of your day. Fortunately, there are many healthy food options that are nutritious and good for your oral health.
For example, fresh, crunchy snacks such as carrots, celery, and nuts require a lot of chewing, which helps clean the surface of your teeth. Many crunchy vegetables also contain a lot of water, stimulating saliva flow to wash away food particles and bacteria.
Dental tips for outdoor enthusiasts
Before you head out to enjoy a great day at the best parks at Yonge and Eglinton, here are some tips that will help protect your oral health:
Stick to water
Bring a refillable water bottle to keep your mouth moist and wash away food particles. Avoid sweet drinks such as fruit juices, sodas, and “sports beverages”, as most contain a high amount of sugar that can stick to your teeth and lead to cavities.
Protect your teeth during sports
If you are participating in a fast-paced or high-impact sporting activity, such as football or soccer, wear a mouthguard that will absorb impacts to your mouth and help protect your teeth from being chipped, dislodged, or even knocked out. Opt for a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist instead of a store-bought “one-size” mouthguard for maximum comfort and protection.
Rinse your mouth after snacks
Food particles can become trapped between your teeth. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water to help remove them, especially if you have eaten something sweet or sticky.
Use portable dental hygiene tools
Travel toothbrushes, floss sticks, and sugar-free gum are necessary dental hygiene tools that freshen up your mouth after snacking.
Sports dentistry at Yonge and Eglinton
The dental team at Yonge Eglinton Dental can help you enjoy the beautiful greenspaces in our community with peace of mind that your teeth will be safe, strong, and healthy.
For example, our comfortable, custom-fitted mouthguards offer excellent protection during outdoor sports. We also provide cosmetic dentistry services, such as teeth whitening, to ensure your smiles are sparkling for those outdoor selfies.
Perhaps most importantly, our preventative dental care services during routine checkups will catch any potential dental health issues early, so we can recommend suitable treatment options that keep your teeth and gums as strong and healthy as possible.
Get in touch with our team today to make an appointment so you can start enjoying outdoor spaces at Yonge and Eglinton with confidence!
Enjoy optimal oral health during outdoor activities with help from the dental experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Talk to our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy 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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