Seasonal Foods in New Hampshire and Their Impact on Your Oral Health

As one season ends, another begins, bringing new variety and flavor to our diets. In New Hampshire, we are proud of this because we have a large supply of locally sourced seasonal food that reflects our culture and climate. Fall brings us crunchy apples, winter brings us hearty greens, and all of this affects your oral health because eating these local foods is very important for maintaining good oral health through proper nutrition. There are many locally grown seasonal foods that are very good sources of nutrition for healthy teeth and gums, but others, if eaten in excess, can be unhealthy for your oral health and or contribute to dental problems. 

This blog will help you learn how seasonal foods in New Hampshire may affect your oral health so you can make healthy food choices.

Spring and Summer: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables during spring and summer is extremely beneficial to your overall health and helps care for your teeth. 

Fruits and vegetables that are good for oral health:

• Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are high in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy gums. These fruits do contain natural sugars and mild acids, so it’s a good habit to rinse your mouth with water after eating these types of berries.
• Eating fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, celery, and leafy greens from a local source will help remove plaque from your teeth and promote saliva production. Saliva is the body’s natural defense against cavities.
• Dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, which are often served at cookouts, contain calcium and casein, which help protect your teeth’s enamel.

Fruits and vegetables that are bad for oral health:

• Lemonade, iced tea with added sugar, and sports drinks can be surprising to people when they learn how they can harm oral health. These drinks combine sugar and acid, which, when combined, can erode tooth enamel over time. The longer you sip on these drinks throughout the day, the more time your teeth are exposed to the acids in these drinks.
• Corn on the cob gets stuck in tight spaces between teeth. If you wear dentures or have dental work, it can put extra pressure on restorations.

A good tip from our dentist in Nashua, NH: Drink water alongside sugary or acidic drinks to help wash away residue and prevent dehydration.

Your Favorite Fall Foods and How They Affect Your Teeth

The fall season in New Hampshire offers astounding beauty – from downtown Nashua to the natural land along Hollis Road to the many orchards throughout the area, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, as many people move outdoors during this time of year, they also tend to consume some of the stickiest foods.

If you decide to head out towards an apple orchard to get some cider at a local store or farm stand, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Apples: Apples are crunchy and stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth, which will help to clean the surface of your teeth. They are also high in fiber. While whole apples do contain natural sugar, eating whole apples is much healthier for your teeth than drinking apple juice or cider, both of which are full of sugar and acid.
• Apple Cider: Both fresh and hard apple cider are acidic. In addition, the addition of alcohol to hard cider will dry out your mouth and inhibit the production of saliva, which gives natural protection for your enamel. If you drink either type of apple cider, be sure to drink water in between both and do not brush your teeth right after consuming them, as enamel is more vulnerable to wear right after exposure to an acidic beverage. Wait approximately 30 minutes.
• Caramel Apples and Candy Corn: These are the categories that cause the most concern around Halloween. Caramel and sticky candies cling to tooth surfaces and remain there, where bacteria feed on the sugars, producing acids that cause tooth decay. Sticky candy tends to stick to the back molars or the areas where food tends to collect; therefore, a chocolate treat would be a safer alternative for your children than gummy or sticky candies.
• Pumpkin: Pumpkin itself is nutritious and low in sugar. Pumpkin pie is a different story because of the added sugar. The seeds, though, are a good source of zinc, which helps with tissue repair in the mouth.
• Maple syrup: New Hampshire maple syrup is a local staple, and while it is still sugar, some research suggests it contains trace minerals and may have fewer cavity-promoting properties than refined sugar. That said, it is still sugar, so use it in moderation.

Winter Foods and Oral Health

Since most of what we eat to feel cozy in cold weather is sweet or starchy, winter foods require extra attention.

• Hot Drinks: Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are typically the most popular. Drinking plain coffee or tea is not necessarily harmful in and of itself, but adding sugar to those drinks throughout the day can accumulate and contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, these types of beverages can stain tooth enamel over time.
• Holiday Baking: Items such as cookies, pies, and breads are typically made with refined flour and sugar, which, in turn, feed the bacteria that produce and secrete acid in the mouth. These foods can be enjoyed in moderation. The concern arises when people consume sugary foods for an extended period during holiday gatherings. 
• Nuts: The most common types of nuts consumed during the winter are walnuts, almonds, and pecans. The good news for your teeth is that nuts are a great source of calcium and other minerals, which can help improve oral health. Be sure not to use your teeth to crack open whole nuts, as this can chip or fracture a tooth.

Habits That Help All Year

Regardless of what season we are in, the following good habits will help maintain a consistent level of oral health:

• Drink water throughout the day, particularly after meals.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after meals before brushing your teeth.
• Floss each day to remove debris between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
• Visit your dentist in Nashua, NH, every six months for a professional cleaning.

Many people miss their second dental cleaning during the year because the holidays are busy or because they are away for most of the summer. When there is a gap between dental cleanings, tartar can build up and eventually become a more serious dental problem that will require more than a cleaning to treat. Consistent scheduling of regular dental appointments can positively impact your overall oral health.

Your Oral Health Is Worth Keeping Up With

Taking care of your oral health doesn’t have to be difficult. By choosing the right seasonal foods and practicing proper oral hygiene, you can enjoy your favorite treats while keeping your smile healthy. If you’re due for a checkup or have any concerns about your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact us at Advanced Family Dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with our trusted dentist in Nashua, NH, to keep your smile as vibrant as the seasons.

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