So sweet, so cool and so red
So green and so nice
Cool you down, just like ice
Take a taste, and see why
If you hot, or dry, just take a slice. Eat your fill
Cool you down! Yes, it will. - Herbie Hancock, Watermelon Man
Coronavirus or not it’s summertime, and nothing says summertime better than a plump, juicy watermelon.
If apples are associated with autumn and doctors (an apple a day keeps the doctor away), I propose that watermelons be linked with summer and dentists. (A chunk of watermelon a day keeps the dentist at bay?) Watermelons have been called “nature’s toothbrush” due to their inherent proven benefits for teeth and oral health. Consider:
1. Watermelon is high in Vitamin C and helps prevent the formation of tooth tartar and plaque. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent gum diseases like gingivitis.
2. Originally grown in West Africa, this luscious fruit has some of the highest levels of lycopene of any type of fresh produce. Lycopene is a phytonutrient, a natural compound that triggers healthy reactions when consumed. It’s lycopene that gives watermelons the same red color as tomatoes, red grapefruits and guavas.
3. Watermelons are 92 percent water but are loaded with significant levels of nutrients, including Vitamin A, B6, and amino acids.
4. The luscious fruit is related to pumpkins, squash and cucumbers and watermelons contain a small amount of potassium that are good for bones and teeth.
5. Watermelons are also high in fiber, so it scrubs your teeth as you eat. The high-water content in watermelon triggers saliva production, which cleans your mouth of food particles and bacteria.
Unlike some fruits like apples, watermelon can be enjoyed by those wearing conventional braces or Invisalign.
To get the best benefit from watermelons, it’s recommended to eat them fully ripened. In other words, the redder the better! When fully ripe the beta-carotene and antioxidant content are at their highest level. Regardless, every part of the watermelon is good for you and contains lots of nutrients – even the whiter part nearest the rind.
If all the above isn’t good news enough, this popular summer snack is fat-free, is very low in sodium and contains only 40 calories per cup.
I know what you’re thinking. Watermelon is yummy and wouldn’t it be fun to have a couple of bites of that rather than brushing your teeth. Nice thought, but even as oral healthy as watermelon is, it doesn’t replace regular brushing and flossing. With luck maybe a toothpaste manufacturer will create a watermelon-flavored toothpaste, but until then – don't neglect brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time.
Same with dental visits – don’t neglect them. Your next visit may be different due to COVID-19, but dental offices are opening nationwide, and those regular dental checkups are still as important as ever. We have dental plans that cover those twice-annual visits 100 percent!
For more juicy tidbits about your oral health and all things dental, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
Sources: waterfordmidentist, drnease, naturalfoodseries
Photo sources: Indiana Public Media, Days of the Year
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