Now that summer has officially begun the picnics and outdoor cookouts will too!
However, with that being said, dental implant provider Dr. Hoos and the rest of his staff at the Brush and Floss Dental Center have decided to post an article focusing on summer food.
What do we mean?
Well, there are a number of common foods that are often seen during the summertime. Some of them, like strawberries, can actually be a boon for your teeth. Others, like hot dogs and white bread, can prove to be more harmful.
Due to this we have decided to post a list of the summer foods that you should avoid of you are looking to improve or maintain your oral health.
Summer Foods to Avoid for Better Oral Health
Hot Dogs
This may come as a major blow to all those planning summer cookouts or BBQ’s in the next couple of months. Hot dogs may be one of the most iconic foods of the summer season.
Unfortunately, the meat that hot dogs are made out of contains something called processed saturated fat. This particular fat can actually increase inflammation in your body.
What does this have to do with your mouth?
Well, while many people already know that inflammation can cause irritation in your joints and back, what they don’t know is that it can also affect your oral health. The reason for this is your gum tissue, which helps to anchor your teeth and dental implants in place, is kept healthy by in intricate web of tiny veins. These veins run through your gum tissue and provide them with the life-giving oxygen they need to stay healthy.
When you are experiencing inflammation in your mouth, these veins aren’t able to transport blood as easily and gum disease can be the result.
Other meats that contain this same saturated fat are bologna and bacon. Our suggestion is to try and stick to meat that is unprocessed and go easy on the bacon.
White Bread
Yet another major blow for summer cookouts and picnics. The reason for this is that the majority of hot dog buns and sandwich bread used in BBQ’s and picnics are white bread.
So, why is white bread bad?
The flour.
Refined flour has similar effects on your body that processed saturated fats do. They increase inflammation. As discussed above, you now know why inflammation can spell trouble for not only your back and joints but your mouth as well.
So, how can you avoid the refined flour in white bread? Simple. Just stick to whole wheat bread and enjoy the rest of your summer.
Oh, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.
Until next time readers, keep smiling.