Pumpkins are back in season! But did you know that beyond its flavor, the pumpkin holds real superfood benefits, especially when it comes to oral health? It is packed with vitamins and minerals that promote strong teeth, healthy gums, and a resilient immune system.
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A Holistic Approach to Oral Health
To learn more, Black Health Matters sat down with Dr. Anjali Rajpal, a Beverly Hills-based dentist known for her holistic approach to dental care, who describes herself as a practitioner of the art of dentistry. Dr. Rajpal explained how pumpkin supports our oral health, the connection to overall wellness, and how small daily changes can make a big difference in long-term health.
Pumpkin is Rich in Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A), plus Vitamin C and Minerals.
BHM: Beyond the fall flavor, what makes pumpkin such a powerful superfood for our teeth and gums?
Dr. Rajpal: Pumpkin is similar to carrots in color, which means it’s rich in beta-carotene that converts into vitamin A. This supports tissue repair and the mucous membranes in the mouth. Pumpkin also contains vitamin C, which helps reduce inflammation, and minerals like zinc and magnesium, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. These nutrients help strengthen enamel, remineralize the tooth surface, and protect the mouth from bacterial invasion and erosion.
Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation and enables you to resist cavities.
BHM: Can you specify which vitamins and minerals play the most significant role in oral health?
Dr. Rajpal: Vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium are the main ones. Vitamin C is highly antioxidative, which helps reduce stress and inflammation in the tissues. This allows the teeth and gums to help resist cavities, decay, and general wear.
Your Pumpkin Spiced Latte Will Give You Oral Health Benefits
BHM: How should people consume pumpkin for oral health benefits — is it just by eating it, or can it be applied directly like a mask?
Dr. Rajpal: It doesn’t really matter whether you eat or drink it—it’s more about how you consume it. Avoid pairing pumpkin with refined sugar, since sugar increases inflammation and the risk of cavities. Instead, combine it with natural ingredients like cinnamon or bananas for sweetness. The key is to consume it in a non-sugary form.
BHM: How does eating pumpkin affect not just our teeth but our overall oral wellness?
Dr. Rajpal: It nourishes the gums and enamel, helps fight oxidative stress, and balances the oral microbiome, which strengthens the foundation of your smile. You want to minimize harmful bacteria and maintain balance in your mouth’s natural ecosystem. Good nutrition supports mineral balance, promotes cellular repair, and contributes to overall health, all of which lead to a healthier smile.
Daily Habits for Maintaining a Bright, Healthy Smile
BHM: What are your top daily habits for maintaining a bright, healthy smile?
Dr. Rajpal: The most crucial thing is mechanical removal of plaque. The plaque is soft, so a soft-bristle toothbrush works perfectly. Brush all surfaces of the teeth and angle the bristles slightly under the gums to clean along the gum line. Flossing is just as important—it’s the only way to clean between tight contact points. Go slightly below the gumline to remove bacteria that collect there. Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Mouthwash is also great. I recommend natural ones with essential oils rather than synthetic flavorings. Iodine salt is antibacterial and helps reduce bacterial load, especially for patients with mild gum disease or deeper gum pockets. Lastly, an alkaline-based diet is essential. Too much acid causes inflammation and breaks down the tooth structure. Leafy greens and other alkaline foods create an environment where bacteria are less likely to thrive.
BHM: Can you give examples of what an alkaline diet includes?
Dr. Rajpal: Leafy greens are a significant component, along with fresh fruits that aren’t high in sugar, like blueberries and raspberries, which are also rich in antioxidants. Nuts, seeds, beans, and non-starchy vegetables are great as well. On the other hand, acidic foods include soda and sugary juices. Constantly sipping on sweet drinks exposes your teeth to acid for long periods. It’s better to eat or drink and then give your mouth a break so your saliva can naturally cleanse it. Meats, grains, and processed foods tend to be more acidic and contain chemicals that stress the immune system. Crunchy fruits and vegetables help naturally clean your teeth as you eat them, which is another bonus.
What to DIY and What to Leave to the Pros
BHM: What advice do you have about popular social media whitening hacks and over-the-counter whitening products?
Dr. Rajpal: Many over-the-counter products contain preservatives that can become acidic and irritate enamel. I’ve had patients come in using whitening toothpaste that’s too abrasive, so I tell them to switch to something gentler, like Sensodyne or MI Paste. MI Paste helps remineralize tooth structure with calcium and phosphate and reduces sensitivity. That’s why I recommend professional whitening in a dental office — we use pure hydrogen peroxide without harsh chemicals. It’s safer and less likely to cause sensitivity. It’s always better to use products that help strengthen enamel instead of stripping it down.
BHM: What small changes can people make at home that can have a significant impact on their oral health?
Dr. Rajpal: If you’re not effectively removing plaque with a manual toothbrush, consider switching to an electric one. The key is to let the brush do the work—hold it in place and slowly move it from section to section while slightly angling the bristles toward the gums.
For those with braces, wires, or gum recession, I recommend the Sonicare Power Flosser or a Waterpik. These water jets help clean between teeth and in areas that brushes and floss might miss.
Oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil is another excellent option. You rinse with it before brushing to help dislodge bacteria. Coconut oil is antifungal and antibacterial—so it’s safe, natural, and beneficial for your mouth.
Pumpkins may be a fall favorite, but their benefits last all year long.
From protecting enamel to reducing inflammation, pumpkin reminds us that oral health is deeply connected to overall wellness. Dr. Rajpal stresses the connection between oral inflammation and overall bodily health, citing its links to conditions like heart disease and diabetes, among others. She also advocates for improving access to dental care and nutrition education in underserved communities. Through her work with Face Forward, a nonprofit that helps victims of abuse by reconstructing their smiles, Dr. Rajpal continues to show how oral health can restore not only confidence but also hope. This fall, let the spirit of the pumpkin season inspire you to evaluate your oral health. Take this opportunity to review the simple, everyday habits that contribute to a healthy smile.
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