Valentine’s Day is synonymous with sweet treats and romantic dinners. Check out any physical store near your address, and you will surely notice a great amount of delectable sweets that draw you toward them.
While it might be impossible to skip indulging in chocolates on the day of love, your diet on that day doesn’t need to be something that cause you toothache or hurt your oral health. You can still pick foods and drinks that keep your smile radiant, and healthy. Maintaining good oral health doesn’t mean skipping your favorite meals. It’s about balancing your choices.
This guide explores the best Valentine’s Day foods for a healthy smile. Let’s check them out to ensure your smile shines as brightly as the day itself:
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Are you planning an indoor date night? Then you can include a fruit or vegetable platter in your evening snacks to ditch the harmful effects of sugary sweets.
A platter of apples, carrots, and celery can prevent plaque growth and remove food debris from your gum line. They also stimulate saliva production, and wash away the accumulated malign oral bacteria.
Dairy Products
There are endless food options that contain a great deal of milk, yogurt, and cheese. All these taste amazing while are also packed with calcium. A study shows that calcium strengthens enamel, stops bone loss and reduces the risk of cavities.
Yogurt is also rich in probiotics that protect you from tooth decay, and gum disease. Its complex compounds minimize oral bacteria which keeps your mouth fresh and poses less risk of mouth odor.
However, if you want to be assured of a fresh breath on the ‘day of love’, schedule a dental cleaning session a day or two before your date.
Leafy Greens
You can choose among various salad options that are high in spinach, kale, and lettuce. Whether you have a date at home or in a restaurant, you can enjoy the benefits of healthy greens everywhere. They are also rich sources of calcium and folic acid. Folic acid plays a critical role in improving your gum health and prevents gum inflammation. Their high fiber content and low sugar count benefit your overall health.
Fatty Fish: Omega-3 for Gums
Try baked salmon, mackerel, or sardines this Valentine’s Day to keep your oral health at its peak. Their high amount of omega-3 fatty acids reduces gum inflammation and improves your gum tissue health. You can also find a great amount of vitamin D in them which enhances your calcium absorption.
Dark Chocolate: A Sweet Exception
”All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” ― Charles M. Schulz
This famous quote from this renowned American cartoonist rings a bell to all of us.
Valentine’s Day feels incomplete without something sweet. But don’t worry! You don’t need sweets laden with sugar. Just go for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa and relish the delicacy of chocolate while being happy knowing this contains theobromine, which hardens enamel. Unlike sugary chocolates, dark chocolate minimizes the risk of dental cavities.
This Valentine’s Day, choose foods that keep your smile healthy and beautiful. The right food choices can protect your teeth while letting you enjoy the celebration.
For personalized dental care advice on how to maintain your oral health, contact us today!
