Fall is finally here, and you know what that means: pumpkin spice everything! While pumpkin may be a popular seasonal flavor, it has much more to offer than just the flavor of autumn. This delicious orange gourd brings with it an array of health benefits that range from aiding your vision to supporting dental health. In this blog post, Aqua Dental’s White Lake family dentists explore why pumpkin is considered a superfood.
Vitamin A
Ah, the beloved pumpkin! Pumpkins are a fantastic source of Vitamin A, yielding more than 100% of your daily needs in just one serving. But what exactly does Vitamin A do for us? This vitamin promotes gum health. So not only do pumpkins make for some delicious dishes, but they also help keep our smiles healthy and radiant.
Vitamin C
Did you know that you can get 20% of your daily vitamin C needs from just one cup of pumpkin? It’s true! Along with Vitamin A, Vitamin C is essential for preventing and treating infections and inflammations in not just the mouth but the entire body. Luckily, adding pumpkin to your diet is a delicious and easy way to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential nutrient.
Zinc
Roasted pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc, providing one-third of a typical adult’s daily needs with just one ounce. Zinc is essential for maintaining healthy teeth, bones, and gums. In fact, toothpastes that contain zinc citrate have been found to be effective in reducing gum bleeding. So, next time you’re snacking on a handful of these delicious seeds, know that you’re not only satisfying your cravings but also nourishing your body with a vital mineral.
Iron
Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of iron. Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. It’s not just important for our blood cells; it also has a significant role to play in keeping our muscles and tongue healthy.
Magnesium
Magnesium can actually help strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to cavities. Just a tiny portion of magnesium-rich pumpkin seeds can make a huge difference. In fact, just one ounce of these tasty seeds can take care of a third of an adult’s daily magnesium needs.
Our White Lake Family Dentists Prioritize Patient Education
All in all, pumpkins are worth incorporating into our daily diets because of how their nutritional content directly impacts tooth and gum health.
At Aqua Dental, we understand that keeping your smile healthy is about more than just flossing and brushing. Our White Lake family dentists are dedicated to helping families achieve optimal dental health through regular dental visits and patient education. With our support, we hope to instill knowledge that will allow for better decision-making with regard to your oral health care. Book an appointment at Aqua Dental for more personalized advice. Our White Lake family dentists look forward to seeing you in our office and helping you develop good habits toward a healthier mouth.
