If you’re a parent, you already know that children grow way too fast! That’s why it’s essential that you make sure they get all the vitamins and minerals they need for healthy bones, skin, and immune system. But what about their teeth and gums? With a few simple additions to your child’s daily diet, you can help keep their teeth strong and dramatically lower their risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Read on as we list out eight delicious choices for better children’s oral health!
1.) Raw & Fiberous Fruits & Veggies
Fruits and vegetables are a staple of any healthy diet, but they’re an excellent choice for oral health as well! These high-fiber foods gently scrub the teeth as they’re chewed, which removes some of the cavity-causing plaque and bacteria. Having your child eat more foods like celery, carrots, and apples can help prevent tooth decay!
2.) Non-Acidic Sources of Vitamin C
It’s common knowledge that vitamin C helps promote a strong immune system and that oranges are a great source of this important nutrient. Vitamin C is also vital for keeping gums healthy and free of disease, but acidic citrus foods like oranges can weaken tooth enamel. Instead, try offering your child more non-acidic sources of vitamin C, such as cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, kiwi, and broccoli.
3.) Low-Fat Milk & Cheese
Dairy products are well-known for providing calcium for strong bones. Items like milk and cheese are also a great choice for healthy teeth! Not only are they soft on those little pearly whites, but they will help strengthen the jawbone, rebuild enamel, and encourage the development of permanent teeth.
4.) Nonfat Yogurt
Not only does yogurt contain calcium, but it contains probiotic bacteria that studies suggest can help prevent the buildup of plaque in the mouth. It may even help stop the earliest stages of gum disease! Just make sure to choose yogurts that are nonfat or low-fat to ensure they’re a healthy choice.
5.) Nuts & Seeds
Biting down on a particularly hard nut or regularly chewing on tough seeds can wear down your child’s teeth and weaken them. However, softer nuts contain natural fats that can shield teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. Plus, vitamins contained in walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds have been proven to reduce gum inflammation.
6.) Eggs
Whether they’re scrambled, poached, or boiled, eggs are a healthy food no matter how you cook them! They contain several important nutrients like vitamin D than help teeth absorb calcium. Additionally, they’re brimming with protein, which can help the teeth and jaw stay strong
7.) Sugarless Gum
A sugar-free chewing gum isn’t just a healthier alternative to a popular children’s candy. The American Dental Association reports that this tasty treat can reduce tooth decay significantly as well! If your child chews sugarless gum 20 minutes after a meal, the saliva production it encourages can help wash away cavity-causing particles.
8.) Tap Water
Tap water may not necessarily count as a food, but it’s an excellent choice for your child’s dental health. Most community drinking water sources are fortified with a precise amount of calcium, the same mineral used in toothpaste to strengthen teeth against decay. Plus, when your child drinks water throughout the day, they’ll regularly wash away lingering sugars and acids in their mouth while staying hydrated.
About the Practice
At Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our talented team truly cares about children and fully understands the unique oral healthcare needs of a growing smile. That’s why our friendly team offers the latest, most comfortable and efficient dental treatments for children available. Plus, they’ll be more than happy to give you personalized tips and guidance for taking care of your little one’s precious smile at home. To learn more, we can be contacted via our website or at (303) 660-5373.
