Is Pumpkin Good For Your Oral Health?

This season you can find pumpkin in just about everything! While not every pumpkin treat is particularly healthy, (we’re looking at you pumpkin spice lattes!), real pumpkin is a nutrient-dense squash that’s actually pretty good for your oral health.

Certain vitamins and minerals in pumpkins contribute to common oral health issues. The zinc in pumpkin can help heal wounds and repair damaged tissues. The vitamin A it contains helps with the flow of saliva which can help prevent cavities. And the vitamin C boost helps fight off infections. You can also find magnesium in pumpkins. Magnesium works with calcium to build strong tooth enamel. Not only is the flesh of the pumpkin good for you, the seeds are packed with fibre, and fibre scrubs your teeth and also contributes to more saliva production. Pumpkin seeds also contain iron, and iron helps keep the tissues in your mouth stay healthy while preventing anemia.

Pumpkin Spice and Gum Disease

The various spices that make up the distinct pumpkin spice flavour also have great health benefits! The most prominent spice, cinnamon, contains antioxidants to boost your immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm your gums if you’re experiencing inflammation. Nutmeg has also been proven to help ease insomnia in small doses, and facilitates healthy digestion. And cloves have antimicrobial components that can aid in preventing gum disease!

Keep in mind, certain treats, like pumpkin spice lattes, don’t contain any real pumpkin. What they do contain is a huge amount of sugar. Go for choices like homemade pumpkin pie or try a pumpkin smoothie instead.

Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and see your dentist for routine check-ups. Happy Thanksgiving!