5 Dental Tips for Your Next Trip to the Gresham Farmers Market
There’s nothing quite like a sunny Saturday morning at the farmers market. As a community-focused dentist in Gresham, Oregon, we’re big fans of supporting local, especially when it comes to nourishing your body and your smile. Whether you’re heading out for fresh berries or artisan bread, there are plenty of ways to make choices that benefit your oral health, too. Before you grab your tote bag and head downtown, here are some friendly dental tips to keep in mind during your next trip to the market.
Stock Up on Smile-Friendly Produce
Farmers markets are a goldmine for fresh produce, and many fruits and vegetables can help clean your teeth while you eat them. Crunchy options like apples, carrots, celery and cucumbers act like nature’s toothbrush, helping to scrub away plaque and stimulate saliva production (which naturally helps neutralize acids and rinse away food particles).
Leafy greens like spinach and kale are also great for your teeth. They’re packed with calcium and folic acid, which strengthen enamel and support gum health.
Pro Tip: Rinse off your produce before you munch on it, especially if you’re sampling as you shop.
Watch Out for Hidden Sugars
It’s tempting to snag a fresh pastry, sweet jam or homemade honey from one of the many vendors and that’s okay. Life is about balance, and there’s room for treats in every diet. Just be mindful of how sugary snacks can affect your teeth.
Sticky or sugary foods can linger on the enamel and fuel the bacteria that cause cavities. If you indulge, try to rinse your mouth with water afterward and brush when you get home.
Sweet Swap Idea: Pick up fresh fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth in a more tooth-friendly way.
Stay Hydrated but Skip the Sugary Drinks
Local lemonades, kombuchas and handcrafted sodas are refreshing, but they often come with a sugary punch that can erode enamel over time. If you do want to sip something sweet, here’s a few ways you can lessen the impact on your teeth:
- Enjoy it with a meal
- Use a straw
- Drink some water afterwards
Staying hydrated helps wash away food particles and supports healthy saliva flow, which is essential for cavity prevention.
Grab Some Local Dairy or Nuts
Look for local cheese, yogurt and nuts. Snacks that are packed with calcium and phosphates that help strengthen tooth enamel. For example, almonds are a great source of protein and low in sugar.
Make Oral Hygiene Part of Your Post-Market Routine
Once you return from the market, take a few minutes to brush and floss, especially if you’ve sampled goodies or snacked along the way. Even natural sugars (like those in fruit) can contribute to decay if left sitting on your teeth.
Pro Tip: If brushing right away isn’t an option, chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva and give your teeth a quick, on-the-go cleanse.
Smile Local, Smile Bright
At Jeremy Archibald DDS, we love seeing our Gresham community out enjoying everything this beautiful area has to offer, including the Gresham Farmers Market. Supporting your dental health doesn’t mean missing out on local fun; it just means being a little more mindful about what you’re eating and drinking.
Need a cleaning after a summer full of market strolls and BBQs? We’re just a call or click away and always happy to welcome both new patients and familiar faces.