strong teeth
DENTAL
A DIET FOR YOUR MOUTH WHAT TO EAT AND NOT TO EAT FOR STRONG TEETH BY JESSICA ZIMMER
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ating to ensure good dental and overall health is about balance and substitutions. Fibrous, natural ingredients are preferable, yet too many can make meals a chore. Make small changes for a big impact. Read on for ideas.
CHOOSE FRESH INGREDIENTS OVER PREPARED FOODS. Slice tomatoes and heat them until “melted” with garlic, herbs, and a bit of honey. This is a healthier option than jarred pasta sauce as many sauces contain a high amount of sugar. For salads, choose lemon and oil with salt or oil and vinegar with herbs. Avoid creamy dressings that contain added sugars. 14
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BAKE FOODS THAT WON’T NEED ADDED SUGARS. Baked sweet potatoes, apples, pears, and squashes like acorn squash are healthy choices for dinner and dessert. These foods don’t necessitate adding sugar. Avoid topping such dishes with sticky, sugary substances including caramel or marshmallows and consider making light glazes that use cinnamon or nutmeg instead.
INCLUDE A CRUDITÉS PLATTER. A plate of raw green vegetables served with a dipping sauce is low in sugar, delicious, and good for the teeth. Ideal choices include green beans, snow peas,
2022 SJ HEALTH AND MEDICAL GUIDE
broccoli florets, wax beans, and young zucchini. Peanut, ginger, soy, onion, and dill sauces are all good accompaniments.
HAVE FRESH FRUIT WITH, ON, OR INSTEAD OF DESSERT. Berries like strawberries and raspberries are fibrous and help clean the teeth and they typically require little to no added sugar. Think of desserts that contain whole or sliced fruits, like pieces of mango. These are usually healthier than desserts like mousses that contain fruit purees.
HAVE WATER BETWEEN DRINKS. When a dinner includes staining beverages like red wine or sug-
ary drinks like cocktails, offer guests water in addition to or between drinks. The clean wash of water lowers the acidity of saliva and encourages guests to consume less alcohol and sugar.
CUT THE SALT. Reduce the amount of salt in recipes and consider substituting herbs or pepper instead. Low sodium foods are healthier, especially for older guests, and they are less likely to reduce the amount of calcium in the body. Teeth depend on calcium to remain strong.
