As a parent, you are responsible for ensuring your children grow healthy. Most of us, however, focus on everything else, all but our kids’ oral/dental health. Your kid’s oral health is as important, a reason you want to strive to ensure they don’t suffer gum diseases or tooth cavities.
Most dental issues in children arise as a result of poor eating habits. Healthy eating habits will thus go a long way in maintaining his/her oral health. Outlined below are some of the best foods for your kid’s teeth and those to avoid as well.
Recommended Foods For Good Oral/Teeth Health
1. Cheese
Cheese is an excellent source of good-quality calcium and proteins. These nutrients are essential for healthy and strong enamel. Strong enamel makes it easier to chew on hard foods and reduces the risk of chipping too. Cheese is particularly chewy, a factor that triggers increased saliva production.
Saliva plays an essential role in ‘rinsing’ the teeth/mouth of food particles and keeping pH in check. Dental experts thus recommend having cheese immediately after the main meals for the best results, especially at night before brushing your teeth.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt has a similar nutritional profile to cheese, rich in proteins and calcium. It also packs plenty of good bacteria (probiotics) that help fight off bad bacteria, hence reducing the risk of infestation. If left unchecked, bad bacteria cause bad breath, gum infections, and cavities. Serving the kids a cup of yogurt every other day would thus be a great way to boost their oral health. Be sure to go for plain yogurt with no artificial/added sugars for the best results.
3. Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are a recommended option not only for your overall health and well-being but for oral health as well. They are one of the best sources of full-spectrum minerals and vitamins and are remarkably low on calories. Spinach, kale, and broccoli are preferred options for many, thanks to their rich nutritional profile.
Spinach, for example, is considerably high in calcium and other minerals required for healthy teeth development. Most kids might not find veggies appealing, a reason you should be creative when introducing them to their diet plan. Smoothies and vegetable salad for pizza and other foods are an excellent start.
4. Apples
Although dentists and health experts advise against sugars for better oral health, this doesn’t apply to a variety of sweet fruits. Apples, although sugar-rich, pack properties that help keep the mouth clean and fresh for longer. This is because they are high in dietary fibers and water that help cleanse the mouth/teeth by washing away bacteria and food particles.
The fibrous flesh stimulates gums, boosting blood flow to the same. It would thus be a good idea to have an apple after meals or for a snack while at school. Don’t forget to brush your teeth at least twice daily too.
5. Carrots
Munching on raw carrots is an excellent way to exercise your jaws, teeth, and gums. It also triggers increased saliva production, which again washes down food materials and bacteria down the gut. Carrots are also rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and water. Your kids can enjoy whole carrots, sliced, diced, or even vegetable salads.
6. Celery
Many people don’t think of adding celery to their diet plan. One reason for this is that it is fibrous, watery, and bland-tasting. What they don’t realize is that having celery goes a long way in keeping your teeth clean, cleansing them of bacteria and food materials. It is an excellent way to scrub foreign materials from your teeth and mouth.
7. Almonds
Almost are relatively low in sugars but a good source of proteins and calcium. For instance, a quarter cup of almonds might be enough to ensure your kids’ teeth are strong and healthy. If they don’t find almonds tasteful, consider mixing these with salads or even in a stir-fry. Almonds, however, make great snacks for school-going children.
Focusing on healthy foods for your kids’ oral health is one thing; keeping them from foods known to have adverse effects on their teeth is another. Most of the foods we eat today contain compounds that are harmful to our health and teeth. It would thus be best to limit or avoid these foods altogether for better health. Some of the foods to avoid are outlined below.
Worst Foods For Your Teeth
1. Hard Candy
Most kids love candy. Although these sweet little treats may seem harmless, they are loaded with harmful sugars that can be damaging to the teeth. Chewing on candies makes it even worse, increasing the risk of a dental emergency, cracked or chipped tooth. Discourage your kids from eating or chewing hard candies and use sugar-free gum instead.
2. Highly Acidic Foods
Some types of foods are more acidic than others. The excess acids erode the tooth enamel leaving it exposed and prone to cavities. Lemons, tangerines, oranges, and pineapples are examples of acidic foods you should be careful with. If possible, drink lots of water soon after having an orange. You could also have apples or watermelons instead of citrus fruits.
3. Crunchy Foods
Doritos, potato chips, and other crunchy foods are a favorite for most kids. While they may seem delicious, these foods are rich in starch and stick to your teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Make a habit of brushing your teeth immediately after having crunchy foods.
4. Sodas, Sports Drinks, and Juices
Fizzy drinks have one thing in common; they are highly acidic and loaded with sugars. Although tasty, these only weaken your enamel, among several other adverse effects, hence should be avoided. The sugars form a layer around your teeth, further accelerating the acid’s corrosive power.
Focusing on a healthy diet plan and picking just the right foods for your kids is one of the best ways to ensure proper oral hygiene and strong teeth. In addition to focusing on the right foods, they also need to practice proper oral hygiene through brushing and flossing regularly. Eliminating foods that affect oral health will also go a long way in protecting them from excruciating pain. Book an appointment today with your dentist for help managing and improving your kid’s oral health.
