So, last week we discussed how increasing the amount of fish and seafood you eat this summer could help you support your dental implants due to the high level of omega-3’s they have. Today dental implants Gainesville, FL provider Dr. Altschuler and his staff want to discuss how you could continue supporting your dental implants all season long by making a few adjustments to some of your favorite summertime snacks.
Now that it’s officially summer, the days are going to grow longer and the temperature is only going to continue to rise. People everywhere are going to be seeking relief from the heat with classic summer treats like popsicles, ice cream, ice cold soda, juice, and Slurpees. Unfortunately, none of the previously mentioned items are necessarily good for your oral health. However, with a little planning and just a tad bit more effort, you could mitigate this problem almost instantly.
Pick Up Some Straws
Soda and juice are two thing nearly everyone reaches for on hot days to help them cool off. However, Soda and juice are notoriously chock full of sugar and can therefore not only be a threat to your teeth but you dental implants as well.
When you drink from a straw it allows the liquid you are consuming to enter your mouth with the least amount of contact to your teeth. This means that the sugar in soda pop can be swallowed before it has a chance to cover your teeth in the same way it would if you were drinking it straight from a cup.
Straws also come in a ton of different shapes, sizes, and colors that can add a bit of goofy pizzazz to any beverage you are sipping poolside this summer. And who doesn’t love a crazy straw?
Make Your OWN Popsicles
This is a great idea for turning a potentially unhealthy summertime snack into a tooth friendly treat. Popsicles have been around since our grandparents were kids. Everyone eats them, everyone loves them and trust us folks, they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Unfortunately, most popsicles these days are made from fruit juices that are more part sugar than they are fruit.
However, you can solve this problem. The next time you are in the grocery store pick up some sugar-free, 100% fruit juice in your favorite flavor. You can then freeze this juice into your own homemade popsicles!
If you are looking to give your homemade popsicles a little extra flare then try slicing pieces of fresh fruit like nectarines, strawberries, and raspberries and adding them to the juice before you freeze it into popsicles. Not only will doing this make the popsicles even healthier for your teeth by adding fiber (which is great for your oral health) it will make them look cooler too!
You can find the ingredients for your popsicles at any local grocery store, OR you can turn shopping into an adventure by visiting Alachua County Farmer’s Market. You can find plenty of nifty things at the farmer’s market while shopping for your popsicle ingredients.
Another great benefit of making your own popsicles is that you can take them to the next summer event you attend and they are guaranteed to be a hit. Everyone always wants to try a homemade dessert over a store-bought one. Plus, by bringing these healthy popsicles to an event, not only will you be helping to protect your own teeth and dental implants but the teeth of the people around you.
Until next time readers, keep smiling.
