Let the hunt begin
Celebrate spring with a scavenger hunt
Spring is here, and it's the perfect time to step outside and enjoy the fresh air, longer days, and the beauty of nature all around you. Whether you’re taking a long hike or simply strolling around your neighborhood, a scavenger hunt can help you connect with your surroundings and improve your oral and overall health.
Here’s a list of some things you might find while walking through your local park, neighborhood, and in some cases, even your own backyard.
Each one has its own health benefits, whether they’re supporting your smile, boosting your vision, or both! But make sure you don’t eat any of the food items you find outside. Just use them for inspiration the next time you visit the grocery store!
Blooming flowers
Stopping to smell the roses does more than boost your mood — it can also improve your oral health. When you reduce your stress level, you’re less likely to grind your teeth or forget to brush.
Wild berries
Blackberries and cranberries protect your teeth from a strand of bacteria that speeds up tooth decay, while strawberries have vitamin C to strengthen gums and shield your eyes from damaging UV rays.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated while you’re having fun! Water makes dry mouth less likely, washes away bacteria, and helps prevent dry eyes! Just make sure you bring your own water source — rivers, lakes, and streams may contain bacteria or viruses that aren’t safe to drink.
Mushrooms
Don't eat mushrooms you find in the wild, but you should enjoy them from the store. They are rich in vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium for healthy teeth and bones and reduces risk for dry eyes.
Acorns
These nuts are not eaten raw (unless you’re a squirrel), but when cooked, they provide potassium, which reduces glaucoma risk, and vitamin A, which helps with saliva production and shields teeth from bacteria.
Squirrels
Squirrels have hard, thick front teeth that help them crack open hard nuts and acorns. Your teeth aren’t as strong — be careful when eating nuts, seeds, popcorn, and other hard foods that might crack your teeth.
If you plan to be outside for a long time or during peak sunlight hours, make sure you protect your skin and lips with sunscreen and lip balm that has at least SPF 30. Also, be sure to protect your eyes from harsh light and UV rays with a pair of polarized sunglasses.
Birds
The return of our feathered, warm weather friends is one of the best parts of spring! And while you should leave their eggs and nest alone, remember that eggs are packed with nutrition — including protein and vitamins A and D to support healthy eyes, gums, and teeth.
Four-leaf clover
This doesn’t improve your oral health — it’s just good luck!
Go ahead, explore a little
A spring scavenger hunt is a fun and easy way to engage with nature. As you explore blooming flowers, watch birds, and feel the breeze, you’re also creating oral and overall health benefits. So, grab your scavenger list and enjoy the beautiful season!
