From Brown to Chestnut: the autumn diet for strong teeth

Some dental care in autumn

When autumn arrives, it brings with it more than golden leaves and chestnut afternoons. Today we ask you to sit calmly on your couch. We took the liberty of adding to this scene those intense flavors and talking about autumn food for strong teeth.

In fact, you may not know it yet, but what we put on the plate at this time of year can make all the difference to maintain a healthy and resilient smile.

The power of autumn food to strengthen teeth

Autumn brings with it warm colors, full tables and food that, besides being tasty, do wonders for your teeth.

The typical Portuguese products of the time, such as chestnuts, squash, cabbage and dried fruits, are a true natural reserve of minerals and vitamins that strengthen tooth enamel and maintain healthy gums.

Chestnuts: Rich in phosphorus and magnesium, they contribute to the remineralization of enamel and help maintain a strong tooth structure.
Cough and cloves: They are exceptional sources of calcium and iron, essential nutrients for strong teeth and well-nourished gums.
Pumpkin: Packed with vitamin A and C, supports the regeneration of mouth tissues and healing gums.
Dried Fruits: Almonds and nuts bring good fats and proteins, but it is advisable to chew them carefully, especially on sensitive teeth.

And science confirms what tradition already knew.

According to a review published in the journal Nutrients (2024), proper intake of vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc, is associated with a lower risk of periodontal disease and stronger teeth.

That is, what grows in the Portuguese autumn, from souts to gardens, can be “fuel” for a healthy and lasting smile.

We can even go further and say that the body and the mouth thank when we follow the rhythm of the seasons.

A danger lurks: autumn sugar

Autumn in Portugal is also synonymous with marmalades, chestnut cakes and compotes, that is, true delights for the palate, but a challenge for the smile in autumn.

The sugar in these candies nourishes the bacteria responsible for cavities (which can be prevented) and produce acids and eat enamel.

The solution? Enjoy in moderation and maintain oral hygiene routine: twice daily brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist.

The hygienists d’A Clínica advise to avoid brushing right after eating sweets.

what is the result? More vulnerable arteries and higher probability of events such as stroke.

Cod sausage: a tradition with a touch of care

And since we are talking about autumn, being in Vila Franca de Xira, it is impossible not to think of the Torricado with Baked Cod, the dish king of the tables in Vila-Franca.

You probably don’t know this. During the month of November, several restaurants in Vila Franca de Xira celebrate the Torricado (toasted bread on fire, generous olive oil, garlic and flaked cod).

The cod pie of Vila Franca de Xira is culture, it’s flavor, it’s sharing

But… it is also a small challenge for oral health.

Hard bread can be difficult for those who wear removable dentures or have fragile teeth, and shredded cod has the gift of curling between teeth and appliances.

For those who use prosthesis, it is important to clean it after meals rich in olive oil and garlic, since the residues can accumulate and cause bad breath or gum inflammation.

🍷To accompany this meal, would you like a glass of red wine?

It is tradition and with moderation does not do anything wrong, of course, but should be appreciated with conscience.

The wine pigments, the famous tannins, easily stick to enamel and cause stains, especially if there is already plaque.

Proper toothbrushing and regular oral hygiene appointments help maintain the radiance of a smile without giving up on table pleasures.

The flavors of the earth, dental care in autumn

Autumn is, deep down, a reminder of balance.

We can taste the products of the season, and even celebrate the traditions of our land, without forgetting that every meal is also a gesture of care for oral health.

Good nutrition, sugar control and daily hygiene are the three secret ingredients to keep teeth strong, gums healthy and a healthy smile in autumn but that resists all seasons.

And if, in the midst of roasting, chestnuts and wine, you feel that your smile needs attention, the A Clínica Dr. Pedro Mota, in Vila Franca de Xira, is nearby, better said: as close as the taste of a well-lived Portuguese autumn.

Schedule your appointment today.