It’s the season of vibrant squashes! While these fall favorites are often celebrated for their culinary versatility, our dentist in Winter Haven wants you to know that they also pack a surprising oral health punch. Below, the Dream Dental Winter Haven team explains how and why you should include these seasonal superfoods in your diet.
Pumpkin
Vitamin A Powerhouse
Pumpkins aren’t just for carving. They’re packed with vitamin A—the Mayo Clinic reports that one cup amounts to 245% of your daily intake. Pumpkins help maintain the mucous membranes and soft tissues in the mouth, keeping your gums healthy and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Powerful Pumpkin Seeds
Our dentist in Winter Haven recommends not sleeping on the seeds. They’re full of other minerals like potassium and phosphorus, which help maintain strong teeth and bones.
Tip from Our Dentist in Winter Haven
Try adding roasted pumpkin seeds to your salads or yogurt for a crunchy, tooth-friendly snack!
Butternut Squash
Vitamin C Booster
Butternut squash is another fall favorite that can do wonders for your teeth. In addition to having a massive amount of vitamin A, it’s rich in vitamin C—one cup provides 50% of your daily intake. Vitamin C helps promote strong connective tissue.
Wound-Healing Power
The Cleveland Clinic reports that if you don’t get enough vitamin C, you might heal more slowly. As a result, we recommend butternut squash after oral surgery. Not only is it soft to eat when cooked, but it can support healing.
Tip from Our Dentist in Winter Haven
Incorporate butternut squash into your diet by making a creamy soup or roasting it as a side dish.
Acorn Squash
Essential Minerals for Oral Health
Acorn squash is full of magnesium and potassium. Our Winter Haven dentist has already mentioned the importance of potassium. Magnesium works together with calcium to maintain strong tooth enamel that helps fight against cavity-causing acids.
Bountiful Vitamin B
Acorn squash is also full of B vitamins—B1, B6, and B9. Many studies show that adequate intake of B complex vitamins can help prevent periodontal disease. They also help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body.
Tip from Our Dentist in Winter Haven
Bake acorn squash with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey for a delicious and nutritious treat.
Zucchini
Breath Freshening and Saliva Production
Up last is a summer squash that’s also a fall favorite at Dream Dental Winter Haven: zucchini. Zucchini can help reduce bad breath, thanks to its high water content, which aids in saliva production. Saliva neutralizes acids and washes away food particles and bacteria.
Nutrient-Rich
Zucchini is also rich in vitamin K and magnesium, which support bone health. That makes this squash great for everyone, from growing kids to older adults who are getting ready for dental implants.
Tip from Our Dentist in Winter Haven
Grate zucchini into pasta dishes or bake it into muffins to discreetly boost your dental health.
Squash Dental Woes with These Seasonal Superfoods
Fall squashes are more than just decorative centerpieces—they’re packed with nutrients that can enhance your dental health. Combine these autumn treats with proper oral hygiene and biannual exams and cleanings to keep your smile shining.
To get more tips like this from our Winter Haven dentist or to schedule a check-up, contact Dream Dental Winter Haven today!
