With kids, it can be difficult to motivate them to go above and beyond when it comes to taking care of their mouths. The good news is that there are countless ways to improve your son or daughter’s oral health outside of routine visits with their children’s dentist and brushing and flossing. Encouraging a nutritious diet is one of the best ways to ward off cavities and common oral health problems. Based on recommendations from the American Dental Association, below are five foods you can introduce into their lunchboxes to protect their pearly whites from common oral health problems.
The Most A-peel-ing Snack Around
Apples have long been recognized as a beneficial snack for your overall health, hence the saying “an apple a day…” It’s not just the fact that they’re packed with vitamins that makes them great, but when your child chews a crunchy apple, it can help remove plaque from the surface of their teeth. Some other snacks that do the same are carrots and celery. Adding these fibrous veggies and fruits to your little one’s lunchbox is an invaluable tool to help fortify their oral health.
The Tunaverse is Telling Your Little One to Eat More Fish
Salmon and other fish that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids aren’t just good for your heart, but they are also high in vitamin D. But, what does this have to do with your child’s oral health? Without enough vitamin D, your son or daughter will have an increased risk of developing cavities and gum disease. This vitamin can also help strengthen their jawbone, providing their teeth with a healthy and strong foundation.
It’s Hard to Concentrate With Oranges Around
You may have heard that citrus is bad for your teeth. In excess, yes, but oranges are also high in vitamin C, which is one of the biggest immune system boosters. Without enough of it, your child will have a difficult time fighting off sickness and infections caused by harmful oral bacteria. Paired with brushing and flossing every day, eating oranges can help reduce your child’s chances of developing gum disease.
A Cultured Snack, Some Call it Woke
Low-fat yogurt is a great snack for your child’s lunchbox because it’s high in calcium. Over the years of eating certain foods and bad habits like nail biting and teeth grinding, your child’s enamel will erode. Calcium helps remineralize the outer layer of their teeth, protecting them from developing cavities. You can make the snack more fun to eat by adding berries or a bit of honey to it!
Oral Health Benefits From Spinach Are Unbeleafable
Leafy greens like spinach are a great, healthy addition to any sandwich, salad, or wrap. Spinach is high in iron and beta-carotene, which strengthens gums and teeth. It also helps prevent dry mouth. Without proper saliva production, sugars and carbohydrates would just sit on your little one’s teeth and cause decay.
Common oral health problems for children like cavities can be prevented when their teeth are strong and protected from harmful oral bacteria. Paired with good oral hygiene and routine visits to your family dentist, a nutritious diet can do wonders for keeping your child’s mouth healthy and happy for years to come. As an adult with impressive pearly whites, they’ll be sure to thank you!
About the Practice
At Painesville Dental Group, we offer the services of several highly trained and experienced dentists that have attended some of the most reputable dental institutions. They’re passionate about expanding their skill sets by taking advanced training courses. At our offices, located in four convenient locations, families can get high-quality, comprehensive, trustworthy dental care all under one roof. For questions or to schedule routine checkups and cleanings for your family, visit our website or call 440-354-2183.