Farmers markets are a fun way to support local business owners as well as find the freshest fruit and produce in the area. Next time you visit your local farmer’s market, consider picking up products that are not only good for you, but help keep your teeth strong and healthy as well! Below are 5 great fruits and vegetables that are commonly found at farmers markets and are great for your smile!
Carrots:
Chewing on raw, juicy carrots can have great benefits. The carotenoids in carrots are not only provide their vibrant orange color, but they also repair the mucous membranes of the mouth and gums and help remove that irritating, persistent plaque. And chewing carrots massages the gums, thereby reducing toothache to a considerable amount (if you are experiencing that).
Onions:
Yes, we know that just the name of this pungent vegetable is enough to make you cry. But believe it or not, eating raw onions can have great benefits for your teeth. Onions are natural antibiotics; their sulfur compounds will immediately kill all bacteria on your teeth. No wonder they are so strong!
Leafy Greens:
Most leafy greens are rich in folic acid, a type of vitamin B that prevents gum disease by making your gums more resilient to dental plaque and anaerobic bacteria. Also, adding leafy greens to your everyday breakfast helps counter bad breath, ensuring fresh breath all day long. Kale and Spinach contain high amounts of calcium, which is great for maintaining bone health. If you aren’t sold on a plain old salad, make it creative and colorful with roasted broccoli, zucchini noodles with pesto and peas, or sesame garlic roasted asparagus!
Apples:
Eating thinly sliced apples is easier, but biting into a full apple is much healthier for your teeth. The simple act of biting into and chewing apples results in the production of saliva which in turn, washes away harmful bacteria from your mouth. Although they should not be considered substitutes for brushing, apples are natural scrubbers of your teeth, removing those unwanted leftover food particles from your mouth. Plus, the fibers in the apples stimulate the gums, keeping them healthy and moist.
Pumpkins:
Farmers from all over the suburb will be bringing their prized pumpkins to the Farmers Market, so be sure to grab some! Pumpkins are rich in iron, which keeps the gums and tongue (yes, tongue!) healthy. The zinc in pumpkins restores the lining of the gums, while magnesium strengthens the bones and gums. Just 3 ounces of pumpkin seeds will be enough to fulfill your daily magnesium needs!
So don’t forget, next time you go to your local farmer’s market, make sure to look for fresh fruits and vegetables that give you your best smile! If you ever have questions about dental hygiene or need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cedar Creek Family Dental today. We offer flexible appointment times and online appointment requests!