Nature’s Toothbrush
With summer upon us and hot days looming in our future, many people are on the lookout for a cool and refreshing treat to enjoy during those long hot days.
A favorite at picnics, BBQ’s and fairs, watermelon is a satisfying treat that is packed with nutrients and vitamins that benefit not only your overall health, but also your teeth!
Other than being cool, refreshing, and delicious, watermelon contains all sorts of goodies that help contribute to better oral health in a variety of ways.
Rich in Fiber - Being rich in fiber, watermelon acts as a natural toothbrush, helping to scrub your teeth while you eat. This helps prevent the build-up of dental plaques and lowers the risk of tooth decay while also cleaning away food debris and other particles.
High Water Content - Due to its high water content, watermelon stimulates the production or saliva, which helps break down bacteria.
High in Vitamin C - Among many other benefits, vitamin C helps prevent gum disease and bleeding gums while also inhibiting plaque build-up on your teeth.
Eating healthy and making good choices go a long way in stopping the progression of oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. However, eating watermelon alone isn’t enough. Be sure to brush your teeth regularly and visit your dentist twice a year for a routine cleaning and exam.
We hope you enjoy National Watermelon Day. Go grab a slice of the juicy treat and celebrate with the rest of the country!
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Did You Know?!?
- The Guinness Book of World Records states that the heaviest watermelon weighed 350.3 pounds
- Watermelon is 92% water
- Watermelon is cousin to the cucumber, pumpkin and squash
- Early explorers used watermelons as canteens
- Broken Hearted Watermelon, also known as Hollow Heart, are produced by growing conditions, either a cold snap or a heat wave, that causes internal cracking of the flesh. These watermelons are perfectly safe to eat and they often taste sweeter as sugars are more concentrated along the cracks.
How to pick a good watermelon (according to watermelon.org):
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
- Look the watermelon over.
You are looking for a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents. - Lift it up.
The watermelon should be heavy for its size. Watermelon is 92% water; most of the weight is water. - Turn it over.
The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
