Pumpkin season has arrived. From the popular Pumpkin Spice Latte to really pumpkin-everything these days, you can’t escape this orange fruit. What? Didn’t you know it was a fruit? Well, there’s a bit of trivia for you!
The good news is in its natural form pumpkin is full of nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial to your oral health. The bad news is many of the pumpkin flavored treats we love the most are full of extra sugar that is not good for your teeth.
Here are a few of the things pumpkin has going for it:
- It’s high in Zinc and Magnesium, which are good for tooth and gum health.
- It’s high in Fiber, which is good for overall health and can aid in weight loss.
- It gives you a Vitamin A and C boost, which can help strengthen your immune system, promote healing and help defend against oral infections.
So how do you enjoy pumpkin while reaping it’s health benefits? Look for pumpkin treats that don’t have extra sugar such as pumpkin soup and seeds. When you do enjoy a latte or pie, be sure to drink a lot of water as well and brush immediately after eating or drinking.