Are you looking for some healthy snacks to enjoy this summer? Beat the heat with these tooth-friendly summer snacks!
1. YOGURT & CHEESE
High in calcium and protein, yogurt and cheese are great snack options to strenghten your enamel. In addition to its beneficial nutrients, chewing on cheese can increase your saliva production. Saliva is necessary for a clean, healthy mouth because as it rinses your mouth of leftover food particles, it remineralizes your tooth’s enamel. Additionally, good bacteria (also known as probiotics) in yogurt and some cheeses help to decrease growth of bad bacteria in your mouth, thereby reducing your risk for tooth decay. Try to avoid heavily processed cheese, especially canned cheese, and varieties of yogurt that are high in sugar. For an even cooler treat, freeze your yogurt into popsicles!

2. FROZEN FRUIT POPSICLES
Speaking of popsicles, frozen fruit popsicles make another tasty summer snack for those dog days of summer when you just can’t seem to cool down! Fruits are high in vitamins and minerals that are necessary for keeping your gums healthy. Freeze both cut and pureed fruits like cantaloupe, watermelon, peaches, or oranges with a popsicle stick. You can also freeze grapes whole and enjoy them as a refreshing snack.

3. SMOOTHIES
Satisfy your summer sweet tooth with a smoothie filled with fruits and veggies. Simply add your favorite frozen fruit, some leafy greens like spinach or kale, a low-sugar yogurt, and coconut water to a blender. You'll get a mouth-watering burst of nutrients that are important for your dental health!

4. ALMONDS
Almonds are a simple snack for the summer because you can just grab a handful and go! They’re high in tooth-strengthening calcium and protein, and low in sugar so they're less likely to increase your risk of tooth decay. However, they can get caught in your teeth so drink water when you’re finished snacking to clear out any leftover pieces.

5. RAW APPLES, CARROTS & CELERY
Raw apples, carrots, and celery are classic snacks that are good for any time of the year. Apples and peanut butter, and carrots and celery with hummus are refreshing and filling snacks after a day of summer fun. These fibrous, crunchy foods are good for your teeth because they act like nature’s toothbrush, helping to scrub away food left in the mouth. They also stimulate gums and increase saliva production. Apples, carrots, and celery also contain a number of vitamins and minerals that decrease inflammationa and promote healthy gums.

A HEALTHY DIET IN CONJUNCTION WITH PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE
Remember that no amount of tooth-healthy foods can replace a proper dental hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, floss at least once a day, and come visit us every six months! If you need to schedule your next checkup or if you have more questions about summer snacks that are tooth-friendly, contact our Meridian Campus Family Dental team.
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