September is Better Breakfast Month!

As the title says, September is Better Breakfast Month! Touted as the most important meal of the day, eating breakfast boasts many benefits. By consuming a well-balanced breakfast, we give our bodies energy to get our day started the right way. Kids who have a healthy meal before school starts consistently perform and behave better at school. Having breakfast as a family every morning is an opportunity to talk about daily plans and to promote healthy eating. 

A complete breakfast should contain a balance of all the major food groups: protein, dairy, fat and carbohydrates. These elements are vital to maintaining stamina and fending off hunger throughout the day. Though carbs and fats are needed in the daily intake of nutrients, it’s important to not overindulge in these two areas; moderation is key.

So, what is the connection between breakfast and oral health?

Given our on-the-go lifestyles, breakfast can easily become an imbalanced, over-sugary meal! We don’t typically eat candy for breakfast, but we often choose popular cereals and pastries that are full of sugar. These unhealthy breakfast choices can be damaging to our teeth and gums with multiplying effects if we’re not brushing and flossing after breakfast.

A healthy, balanced breakfast can protect your smile!

Your mouth, like your body, needs nutritious food to stay healthy. A balanced breakfast rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and healthy proteins can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, early tooth loss, and gum disease.

Here are some quick and easy tips for a smile-friendly breakfast this month & beyond: 

• Eat whole grains (oatmeal, whole wheat bread) instead of refined grains.
• Eat firm, ripe fruits and healthier vegetables.
• Drink water or unsweetened tea to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay.
• Use moderation with fruit juices and smoothies—they’re typically high in sugar and can be quite acidic.
• We’ve all heard of breakfast for dinner, but it’s okay to eat dinner for breakfast, too! Chicken, seafood (think: lobster benny), beans, cheese, etc.
• Eat high fiber cereals with less preservatives and added sugar.

What are some easy, quick and healthy breakfast recipes that you love to prepare? 

As always, we’re here to answer any oral health-related questions or concerns that you may have – just contact us!