Foods That Can Strengthen Your Child’s Teeth
Your child’s nutrition is the major factor in how their teeth and bones develop. Help your child have beautiful and strong teeth throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Naturally, all healthy foods are beneficial for oral health, and junk food and sugar are the main culprits leading to tooth decay. Here are four delicious and child-friendly foods you can add into a regular meal plan to maintain excellent oral health for years to come.
Delicious kiwis are packed with more Vitamin C than any other fruit, delivering 100% of the daily recommended dose. One of the major functions of Vitamin C is to prevent bacteria from building up in the gums, causing gingivitis. Without enough Vitamin C in the diet, the gums easily become susceptible to disease and tooth health is greatly compromised. As your child grows, continued poor gum health will lead to tooth disease and cavities.
Seeds and nuts
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and Brazil nuts are both tasty and naturally high in fats that the body needs. Brazil nuts and sesame seeds are particularly high in calcium. Seeds also naturally reinforce the tooth enamel, important for protecting against cavities, at the same time they cleanse away the plaque. These superfoods are very high in phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, and zinc – micronutrients that are essential for good tooth health.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables
All fruits and vegetables are full of the vitamins and minerals that your child needs for developing strong teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, cauliflower and green beans, are even more oral health enhancing. These all require extra chewing, and in the process, scrub the teeth, removing the plaque that naturally gathers on the teeth during a meal. Celery, sometimes called “nature’s floss,” is another naturally tooth cleansing vegetable. Besides the fibrous strands, chewing celery makes you produce extra saliva, which neutralizes any cavity-causing bacteria lingering in the mouth.
Dairy in any form is important for growing strong bones and teeth. Whether your child’s favorite is yogurt, cheese, or milk, encourage them to eat it as a snack, with meals or as a healthier dessert option. Dairy products are rich in both calcium and Vitamin D. They also have a high phosphate content, which neutralizes the pH in the mouth, preventing cavity-causing bacteria from forming. Dairy promotes saliva production, preventing bacteria colonization, and also helps to build up the protective tooth enamel.
Last but not least, teach your child the habit of brushing their teeth regularly and visiting a dentist twice a year. Contact us for more nutritional advice on good oral health.