February is Children’s Dental Health Month, so it’s only appropriate that we focus on little mouths, including what we put into them. Kids can be picky eaters and feeding them a well-balanced diet can be challenging, but it’s just as essential to their oral health as their overall health.
Here are some of the best tooth-friendly foods for kids.
Dairy: Calcium, vitamin D, and phosphates in dairy help build strong bones and teeth. Consuming dairy products raises pH levels in his mouth and lowers acid levels, thus reducing the risk of cavities. Cheese sticks and yogurt (especially pouches) are easy on-the-go snacks.
Eggs: Loaded with nutrients like protein, selenium, vitamin B2, and vitamin D, eggs do an ‘egg-cellent’ job of nourishing teeth. Scrambled, sunny side up, or hardboiled, eggs can be prepared in a variety of different ways. An egg salad sandwich is great for the lunchbox!
Fatty fish: Fish like salmon and tuna contain Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, making it a win-win for heart health and oral health. A couple servings of fish per week is a great source of protein and healthy fat for a child’s developing brain and nervous system. Try to avoid fried fish and stick to grilled or baked.
Fluoridated water: Drinking water keeps the mouth moist and washes away food debris. Water with fluoride does double the duty by protecting the teeth from decay. Kids should be consuming fluoridated water starting in infancy from “nursery water” used to mix formula and baby food. As kids get older, always offer water over juice. If you decide to give juice, look for reduced sugar or simply water it down yourself.
Fruits & veggies: Crunchy produce such as apples, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and celery can scrub away plaque and food particles. To make fruits and veggies kid-approved, try cutting them into fun shapes and offering dips like Greek yogurt, guacamole, or hummus. If you have a picky eater or a child who simply doesn’t like the crunchy texture, try making a smoothie. That way at they get the nutrients!
Leafy greens: Broccoli and leafy greens such as kale and spinach contain antioxidants and vitamins to protect tooth enamel. Getting kids to eat the green stuff can be tough, so this is where smoothies come in handy. Many kid-friendly foods like chicken nuggets and mac and cheese now contain hidden veggies.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds can replenish minerals in tooth enamel. They contain high levels of calcium, healthy fat, and phosphorous. It’s best to consume nuts and seeds in their raw state and avoid sugary and salts kinds. You can make a homemade trail mix for a healthy snack. Always be careful giving young children nuts as they can be a choking hazard.
We hope we provided you with some good ideas of healthy foods for your kids and their teeth! If you have any questions or concerns regarding pediatric dentistry, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.