Now that the kids are back in school, autumn is just around the corner! Fall is a great time for tasty treats. Popcorn balls, caramel apples, and pumpkin spice everything – it’s enough to make your taste buds tingle. Although these goodies might go down easy, they aren’t always easy on your teeth. Sticky sweets and candies can cause serious problems. The good news is that you can still treat yourself while looking out for your dental health! Here are a few treats that we at Winter Haven Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can approve of:
- Apples. Apples are a great snack any time of year. You can choose from sweet or tart varieties, and they are all packed with fiber. Plus, that nice “crunch” helps disturb plaque and bacteria, keeping your teeth healthy and happy. Just skip the caramel and candy coatings to get the maximum benefit!
- Black and green teas. As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop in the evenings, it’s a great time to curl up with a nice cup of hot tea and a good book. Black and green teas are dental-friendly because they contain beneficial polyphenols, which are compounds that are capable of stalling the growth and reproduction of the nasty bacteria that cause cavities. For best results, skip the sugar!
- Cranberries. What would Thanksgiving be without the quintessential cranberry sauce? Cranberries are another excellent source of polyphenols to help keep unwanted bacteria at bay. The only problem with cranberries is that they are quite tart, so manufacturers often sweeten them up quite a bit. Check the labels to see how your favorite cranberry products measure up. Or better yet, make your own cranberry sauce so you can control the sweetness!
At Winter Haven Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we want to see you smile! So enjoy the flavors of fall, and remember to practice good dental hygiene. Brush and floss every day, and as much as possible avoid sugary treats that can cause tooth decay. When it’s time for your next checkup or cleaning, we’ll be here. Have a great autumn!
Bio:
Dr. Gerald Cerdan has been practicing dentistry in Winter Haven since 2007. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Florida Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Polk County Dental Association. The team at Winter Haven Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is committed to providing high-quality care for all their patients, and Dr. Cerdan is skilled in using cutting-edge technologies to give patients smiles they can be proud of.