Exploring the local flavors of North Idaho can be a treat for your taste buds and a win for your teeth! Both Ponderay and Coeur d'Alene boast an array of delicious snacks that are satisfying and contribute to oral health.
From crunchy fruits and veggies to locally sourced cheeses, North Idaho offers plenty of options for foodies who want to keep their smiles bright and healthy!
Crunchy Veggies from Farmers’ Markets
Chewing on crunchy veggies helps produce saliva without introducing processed sugars. This helps naturally wash away harmful bacteria. Fortunately, North Idaho’s farmers’ markets, like the Kootenai County Farmers Market, offer fresh, crunchy local vegetables that are excellent for your teeth:
- Carrots, which are loaded with gum-healthy vitamin A.
- Celery, or “nature’s dental floss,” scrubs teeth and gums as you chew.
- Hydrating cucumbers, whose high water content boosts saliva production.
Local Cheese Selections
As they are loaded with calcium, high-quality local cheeses from North Idaho are another tooth-friendly snack. If you’re thinking about both your taste buds and dental health, enjoying cheeses from small producers around Coeur d'Alene can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Aged cheese varieties like cheddar or gouda also help balance pH levels in your mouth, reducing acidity and lowering the risk of tooth decay.
Apples from Green Bluff Farms
Located in Mead, WA, just a short drive from Coeur d'Alene, Green Bluff Farms offers locally grown apples in many varieties. Apples are sweet, satisfying, and full of fiber, making them a great alternative to sugary snacks. They are also considered “nature’s toothbrush,” as they help scrub away food particles and bacteria while boosting saliva production.
Next time you’re in North Idaho, enjoy these delicious, tooth-friendly local snacks that support a healthy smile!
Supporting Dental Health with Local Treats in Ponderay and Coeur d'Alene
If you’re looking for a North Idaho dentist to advise you on bolstering your dental health with a diet rich in local healthy snacks, contact Dr. Ben Gates and the excellent teams at either of North Idaho Dental Group’s two locations to schedule an appointment!