While it may seem like the pumpkin theme is everywhere right now – pumpkin spice, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin picking – we’ve got some oral health benefits of pumpkin. A new twist on the pumpkin craze! Maybe you already knew there are great health benefits of pumpkin. I didn’t! And I’m even more thrilled to share the benefits pumpkin can have on your teeth and gums, two things near and dear to our hearts here at Delta Dental. So whether you’re a fan of all the pumpkin-ness going around this season, or if you’re just looking for a practical reason to love this orange squash, read on to learn about its abundance of vitamins and minerals. Nutritious pumpkin Adding pumpkin to your menu this season and year-round can have great results on your smile. Pumpkin is filled with mouth-friendly nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc. This Halloween season, let’s make pumpkin lead the way for a delicious and healthy choice instead of all the cavity-causing sweets and candy. Here’s what pumpkin’s got: Iron keeps your gums healthy by replenishing the lining of them. Iron is found in pumpkin seeds. Magnesium is also found in pumpkin seeds. It works with calcium to help strengthen bones and teeth. Grab a handful of pumpkin seeds (or 1 oz.) and you’ve got 35 percent of your daily requirement. Vitamin A – All you need is 1 cup of pumpkin to get over 200 percent of the vitamin A you need daily. That’s a powerful cup! Vitamin A is a maintainer of healthy gums, keeping the mucous membranes in your mouth healthy. Zinc is another nutrient from pumpkin that keeps your gums healthy by replenishing the lining, especially in the areas next to your teeth. Vitamin C is a nutrient that helps fight infection (like gum disease), and it also can reduce inflammation in your gums. Pumpkins have a ton of this vitamin, just one cup is 20 percent of your daily requirement. Roast up those pumpkin seeds and find some healthy recipes (like a pumpkin smoothie) to indulge in pumpkin this season. What better reason to go pumpkin crazy than taking care of your overall health and the health of your smile.

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