Healthy Meals and Snacks Important for Kids Oral Health

We all know that there is a correlation between your child’s oral health and the food she takes. For example, if your child takes snacks and potato chips in plenty, the risk of tooth decay increases drastically. Similarly, there are some healthy foods she can take to decrease the risk. This blog will provide you with a list of foods your children should take or avoid for optimal oral health.

Best Foods for Children Oral Health

Here are the foods you should add in your kid’s diet for improved oral health:

Apples

An apple is rich in fiber, and since it is crunchy, it can help scrub the plaque away. It is the plaque that turns to tartar, leading to cavities. Apples are also rich in minerals and vitamins, nutrients your child really needs growing up. Give her an apple daily, and watch her teeth become healthier.

Eggs

An egg is a protein powerhouse, but it does not mean that’s all it has it provides. It is also rich in calcium and vitamin D, both of which are vital for oral health. Vitamin D in the eggs enables the absorption of calcium, which helps build healthy teeth for your child.

Milk and Its Products

Milk, yogurt, and cheese are other foods you should ensure never miss in your child’s diet. Milk products are full of casein, calcium, and phosphorus, which are vital in protecting the tooth’s enamel. Additionally, milk and its products can help neutralize some acids formed when the plaque meet bacteria.

Typically, our mouths are full of bacteria (good and bad). When the bacteria meet food remains or plaque, they form acids. These acids attack the enamel, leading to tooth cavities. Milk helps neutralize the acids and reduce the effects of the attacks drastically.

Water with Fluoride

Drinking enough water is crucial for our overall health. Taking fluoridated water is perfect for your oral health. Fluoride is well known for its capability of making teeth stronger and preventing cavities. Most tap water in the country is fluoridated. If yours is not, you can visit the dentist for fluoride treatment.

Carrots and Celery

Celery and carrots are crunchy, which can help scrub the plaque away. The fiber and water in these vegetables also help balance sugar, reducing the risk of cavities. Additionally, celery is rich in fibrous stands, which are vital in oral health is they are like a natural floss.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds such as almonds and peanuts are very mouth-friendly. When acidic foods and drinks such as soda remove some minerals from the enamel, nuts replenishes them.

Leafy Vegetables

Broccoli and leafy vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins, which are perfect for your kid’s oral health.

Additionally, the folic acid in some of these vegetables, such as spinach, is great for gums and teeth health.

Foods You Should Avoid

Now that you know which foods you should add to the diet, here are foods you should avoid whenever possible:

Sugary Drinks

Undoubtedly, sugary drinks such as soda contribute to tooth decay. The sugar in these drinks accelerates the production of the acids that attacks the enamel. Even sugar-free soft drinks can affect the enamel due to the acids in them.

Citrus Juices

Citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamins, but some are so concentrated in acid that they can erode your kid’s enamel. For example, lemon and grapefruit juices have high acidity levels and can erode the enamel.

Chewy Candy

Candies are major culprits that lead to cavities. The chewy candies stick on your kid’s enamel for quite some time and can dissolve in it. Also, dried fruit snacks should be avoided as they have almost the same effects. If your child takes any of these, make sure she brushes her teeth at least 30 minutes after taking it.

Potato Chips, Pasta, and Bread

Foods from white flour usually break down into sugars. These sugars contribute to cavities. Also, we don’t recommend eating chips. The food does not provide any significant nutritional value, and it also affects both permanent and baby teeth.

Desert Ridge Pediatric Dentistry

If you require Phoenix pediatric dentistry, you are in the right place. We will help your kid grow cavity-free and provide her with the best possible oral care. In case of infections, we will treat your child effectively and only use sedation dentistry when necessary. Book an appointment now.