3 Recipes for a Mouth-Healthy Picnic Basket

Now that we’re fully into the season of outdoor activities, we wanted to share perfect recipes for a day in the park, at the beach, or an outdoor concert (they’re perfect for your mouth health, too!).

Watermelon, mint and feta salad: This delicious summer salad has amazing benefits for your teeth. Watermelon is packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, and the powerful antioxidant lycopene. Feta cheese may help prevent cavities because the calcium and protein it contains acts as an enamel protector. Cheese also increases the production of salvia which helps flush the mouth out. Finally, mint contains powerful antioxidants and helps the digestive system.

Grilled salmon with fruit salsa: Salmon has many health benefits, but it’s especially great for teeth because of the high vitamin D content. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb the calcium you get from other foods. For a fun twist, top your salmon with chopped fruit such as pineapple, mango, and strawberries.

Lettuce wraps: Wrap grilled, lean meat, like chicken or turkey, inside wide, crunchy lettuce leaves. Lean proteins are rich in phosphorus and calcium, which help to redeposit minerals in tooth enamel that have been removed by acids. Top your wraps with shredded carrots and almond slivers for extra crunch.

Sources:

• http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31
• http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cabbage.html
• http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/eating-cheese-prevent-tooth-decay-study-article-1.1366604
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/249915-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-whole-mint-leaves/