The Importance Of Preventive Dental Care At Any Age

Posted on: 1 July 2015

When it comes to keeping your teeth white between dental visits, you don't have to resort to expensive chemical-laden treatments that are found aplenty on store shelves. Instead, put nature to work for you and maintain a shining smile with the help of simple, fresh foods that you may already have in your kitchen. Here are four tasty breakfast recipes to try that will keep your teeth fresh and white all year long:

Strawberry Blast Smoothie

Strawberries contain an astringent that helps to soften stains when they are eaten, and they also have lots of vitamin C which strengthens teeth and also happens to provide whitening results by getting rid of plaque buildup. Added to a smoothie, strawberries make for a tasty way to start the day and will provide you with some effective support when it comes to keeping your teeth white between dental visits. Here's what you will need to make a quick strawberry blast smoothie that will keep you fueled until lunch:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 banana
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ cup ice
• ½ tsp nutmeg

Simply put everything into your blender and mix on high until smooth and creamy. You can enjoy the smoothie as-is, or freeze it in plastic containers for the day to create a creamy frozen treat.

Easy Nut and Seed Trail Mix

Nuts and seeds rub plaque off of teeth as they're chewed, and they contain a healthy dose of fats and protein that will help to keep you going all day long. Making a quick nut and seed trail mix is easy, and your leftovers can be kept with you for snacks throughout your busy day. Throw a handful each of almonds and pumpkin seeds or your favorite varieties to a sealable baggie and consider bulking up your trail mix by adding one or more of the following:

• Raisins
• Coconut flakes
• Chopped dried figs
• Currants
• Dried pineapple pieces
• Cinnamon

Try toasting your nuts, seeds, and other ingredients before enjoying them for some extra crunch. Make sure the mix completely cools if you plan to package leftovers, otherwise the steam from the nuts and seeds will create moisture in the container and soften your snack.

Broccoli Breakfast Bites

Broccoli florets scrub your teeth clean when you eat them, helping to rub away plaque and whiten your smile with each bite. Together, broccoli and peanut butter offer an unusually tasty breakfast experience that's loaded with vitamin C and protein that will keep you going until lunch time. These broccoli breakfast bites are easy to make, and the kids will love them too. Make a batch for breakfast with these ingredients:

• ½ head of broccoli with stem
• 3 tbsp peanut butter
• 1/8 cup raisins
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Cut the broccoli from the top of its head to the end of its stalk into thick long slices, and then spread each slice with a little peanut butter before topping it with a few raisins and a pinch of cinnamon. These breakfast treats are slightly reminiscent of cinnamon toast crunch.

Maple Fig and Apple Stacks

Fruits like apples help to produce extra saliva while you eat, which neutralizes acids from other foods such as tomatoes. The fiber in apples also scrubs teeth and prevents staining from drinks like coffee. Apples stacks are a fun way to enjoy the oral benefits of this fruit for breakfast, and they're tasty enough to indulge in for dessert. Here's how to make two maple fig and apple stacks:

• 2 tart green apples cored and sliced into thin discs
• ¼ cup dried figs, soaked in warm water for at least 10 minutes before use
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
• Pinch of salt

Start by putting the figs, maple syrup, and water into a blender and mix on high until well combined – the mixture should be thick and sticky. Place two plates on the counter and top them with an apple disc each. Use a butter knife to spread the maple fig sauce onto the apples and then place another apple disc on top of the sauce. Repeat this process until you've stacked about 6 apple discs and then top the concoction with a sprinkle of salt and roasted peanuts.

In addition to enjoying these tasty tooth-friendly breakfast ideas, it's important to brush following every meal whenever possible, and to visit your dentist on a regular basis so you can maintain a healthy, bright smile for a lifetime.