The proverbial rainiest month of the year is upon us, and soon we’ll be bustling about among the flowers those April showers deliver. It’s also a month bursting at the seams with festive food holidays. One for every day of the month, in fact! So, if the rain starts to get to you, fire up the stove, or hit a local restaurant for a taste of this month’s celebrated dishes. We’ve picked a few to share with you, and the verdict on whether they’re good or bad for your chompers. Have a look-see!
- April 2nd is National Peanut Butter And Jelly Day: Protein in peanut butter is good for teeth and bones, and the fiber, minerals and antioxidants found in both peanut butter and jelly are good for your whole body. High sugar values can negate some health benefits, though, so this isn’t something you’ll want to eat every day. Verdict? Eat in moderation.
- April 4th is National Cordon Bleu Day: Both meat and cheese help to remineralize tooth enamel. Cheese is also non-acidic and can supply additional calcium to teeth. Of course, both come with lots of calories, so your best bet is to stick with probiotic cheeses like Blue, Brie and Camembert. Verdict? Good for your teeth! (But watch those calories)
- April 6th is National Caramel Popcorn Day: Slow down there, captain. While it is true research suggests caramel popcorn doesn’t stick to teeth as much as one might think, with all that sugar, it’ll hardly get a “pass.” Verdict? Not good for the chompers.
- April 12th is National Licorice Day: The jury is still out on this one, but it does seem as though natural licorice root does possess antibacterial properties helpful in fighting tooth decay. Just stay away from those twisty “licorice” candies … they’re not of the same ilk. Verdict? Go for it!
- April 14th is National Pecan Day: Lots of vitamins and minerals make nuts a solid choice for healthy teeth. Eat them as stand-alone foods though, and not in things like pecan pie to avoid all that extra sugar. Verdict? Good for your teeth!
- April 16th is National Mushroom Day: Mushrooms are good providers of protein for bone health, and some, including shiitake, help to remineralize tooth enamel and keep acidity levels down in the mouth. Verdict? Good for your teeth!
- April 19th is National Garlic Day: Garlic is a real food powerhouse. Breath issues aside, this antibacterial powerhouse not only keeps your mouth and body in good shape, but adds complexity to just about any meal. Verdict? Good for your teeth!
- April 22nd is National Jellybean Day: We know its Easter season, and you’re going to enjoy your jellybeans, but are they good for your teeth? Well … let’s see … Verdict? Not good for the chompers. (Seriously?!)
- April 30th is National Raisin Day: Surprisingly, the sticky raisin is actually good for teeth. It’s less sticky on teeth than you might think (just like caramel popcorn), and it is also believed to contain oleanolic acid – a great combatant against plaque. Verdict? Good for your teeth!