Oral Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Oral health benefits and pumpkin? Aren’t pumpkins just a famed fall item? (Ahem, pumpkin spiced latte.) Well, ‘tis the season… pumpkin season, that is! Fall in New England can be a magical time, full of color, festivities and outdoor activities ranging from apple picking and pumpkin picking to farm hopping, cozy nights by the fire and, of course, indulging in all of the food goodness that autumn has to offer. Pumpkins are a prominent piece of the fall fabric. And while you may enjoy carving them and decorating them, pumpkin also offers a variety of oral health benefits. 

Pumpkin is a vitamin-packed fruit (though many will debate whether it’s truly a fruit) that not only protects your teeth, but also positively impacts your overall health. Here’s a look at the vitamins and minerals that can be found in pumpkins and that provide oral health benefits:

• Zinc: Your mouth’s best friend? You probably haven’t heard that phrase before, but zinc plays a key role in healing wounds. This means acting as an agent to repair damaged soft tissues inside your mouth, or gums that may be healing from gingivitis-induced bleeding. It’s also considered an anti-plaque agent and is added to toothpaste to prevent buildup.
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A aids in the flow of saliva, which is key for washing bacteria from the mouth. It also helps to heal soft tissues.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is key for maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting off infections, which is good for both your overall health and your oral health. 
• Magnesium: Magnesium works together with calcium to create strong, protective enamel that can resist decay. When you lack magnesium in your diet, your tooth enamel becomes softer and more susceptible to cavities. 
• Fiber: Pumpkins are packed with fiber, which is important for maintaining excellent overall health. Fiber-rich foods help to stimulate the flow of saliva, which is our best natural defense against tooth decay!

As noted above, we know it’s PSL season. BUT, if you’re looking for a less sugary & sweet way to get your pumpkin fix this fall to keep your oral health in order, here are a few other preparations you can explore to minimize pumpkin spiced latte intake: 

Pumpkin Seeds: From the store or straight from the gourd, these baked treats are packed with flavor and oral health friendly vitamins. They’re easy to prepare and make for a great snack!

Pumpkin Smoothie: Try incorporating canned pumpkin into your breakfast or workout smoothie. It pairs well with both coconut milk and almond butter. Pumpkin pie for breakfast? Just add in some pumpkin spice and maple syrup, and your morning meal will be transformed into a healthy liquid version of a delicious, traditional dessert.

Baked Pumpkin: Did you know that you can make a tasty meal out of pumpkin simply by baking it with cinnamon and adding a touch of butter? It can work as either an entree or a side dish!

Pumpkin Seed Oil: Try incorporating pumpkin seed oil into your cooking – it’s rich in heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.

Have questions about pumpkin as it relates to your oral health? Or questions about your oral health in general? Contact us – our team is here and happy to assist you!