​Cooked vegetables are a fantastic go-to meal when you’re trying to eat more produce in autumn. Not sure how to include more veggies in your diet? Here are three excellent ingredients that provide a satisfying meal and healthy teeth:

Leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals such as calcium and folic acid, which are necessary for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Black beans and cheese are also high in calcium and contain phosphorus, both of which are building blocks for your teeth’s enamel.
Sweet potatoes keep teeth healthy in a few different ways. Their texture makes them a natural abrasive that gently scrubs the surface of teeth. They are also rich in vitamin A and other antioxidants that fight inflammation and gum disease.
 
Try this recipe that brings together all three amazing ingredients:
Black Bean and Greens Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:

• 10 ounces of a leafy green such as spinach or kale
• 1 10-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, baked until tender
• ¼ cup of sliced yellow onion
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Paprika and pepper to taste

Directions: Bake potatoes and set aside. In a medium non-stick pan, add oil, onions and garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Add black beans and stir. Add spices and greens and mix until greens are wilted.
Slice potatoes and fill with bean and greens mixture. Top with cheese and enjoy!
 
We love that this dish is easy to make, delicious and great for your oral health. Enjoy!

While everyone is guilty of skipping an occasional check-up, men are more likely than women to put off going to the dentist.

• Men replace their toothbrushes less frequently than women.
• According to a national survey, women report brushing more often and more thoroughly than men.
• Approximately 86% of women say they brush twice a day, compared to only 66% of men.
• Studies show that men with a history of gum disease are more likely to develop certain kinds of cancer, such as kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers, than those with healthy gums.

Here are some ways men can be more aware about oral health:

• Floss daily using the proper technique by inserting floss gently between teeth using a back-and-forth motion and curving floss into a C-shape against one tooth and then the other.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two full minutes, use toothpaste with fluoride, use mouthwash and floss daily.
• Replace your toothbrush approximately every three months or after you’ve been sick.
• Visit your dentist least twice a year for a cleaning and exam.

 
Some men are even more susceptible to dental problems and should take extra care in monitoring their teeth and gums. If you take medications that cause dry-mouth, or use tobacco, be especially diligent about visiting the dentist regularly, as these lifestyle habits put you at greater risk for oral health problems. Additionally, if you notice bleeding gums after brushing or flossing, you may need more regular checkups.
 
Men who participate in sports have a greater chance for trauma to the mouth. When playing contact sports, such as football, hockey, soccer, basketball or baseball, it is important to use a mouth guard. A mouth guard is a flexible appliance made of plastic that protects teeth during impact.
 
References:
Luebke T, Driskell (2010). A group of Midwestern university students needs to improve their oral hygiene and sugar/pop consumption habits. J. Nutr Res. 30(1):27-31. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2009.11.001.