Good at-home oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups and cleanings are important ways to help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy and strong. However, what they’re eating might sabotage their growing smile. Keep reading to discover 4 healthy food options you can be sure will improve your children’s oral health.
4 Smile-Friendly Foods Your Kids Will Enjoy
Kids can have a hard time incorporating certain foods into their daily diets. Without them, your little one may not get the necessary vitamins and minerals they need to protect their teeth and gums against cavities and disease.
Here are four foods you can begin to integrate into their lunchboxes:
Cheese Leads to Stronger Teeth
If you want your child to have stronger teeth that remain free of decay and cavities, make sure cheese is a part of their lunch. No matter which variety you choose, the calcium strengthens bones and tooth enamel. It also encourages saliva production, which helps neutralize harmful acids and flush away food debris.
Aiding Oral Health with Delicious Apples
Think of apples as tiny toothbrushes that you can pack in your child’s lunchbox. Their crunchy texture helps remove debris and bacteria from tooth surfaces. Chewing stimulates the gums and salivary glands. This keeps their mouth free of harmful bacteria that might otherwise break down tooth enamel.
Make Lunch (or Breakfast) Enjoyable with Eggs
Whether they’re scrambled, boiled, or a topping on a salad, adding eggs to your child’s diet will do nothing but positively improve their oral health.
Eggs contain protein and phosphorus, both of which are essential for the mouth and body. Not only will your child’s teeth remain stronger, but the calcium in their body will work alongside the phosphorus to rebuild teeth along the way.
Leave Them Wanting More with Leafy Greens
If you want to make sure they’re getting enough vitamins in their diet, specifically A, C, and K, try sneaking in some leafy greens. While some kids enjoy the taste of salads, others seem to have an aversion to them. This is why you can get creative and incorporate spinach into their smoothie or kale into a bowl of pasta or soup.
With plenty of folic acid, calcium, and fiber, their gums will remain healthy and protected against bad bacteria and infection.
Jazz up your child’s lunch with some of these healthy options. Doing so can lead to positive checkups and cleanings in the future.
About Grand Dental – South Elgin
At Grand Dental – South Elgin, our dentists enjoy treating patients of all ages. When parents ask about ways to improve their little one’s oral health, we remain ready to provide helpful tips. One of the most common is incorporating smile-friendly foods into their diet. Our team is here to offer ways to make their school lunches healthier and more enjoyable. If you would like to discuss your child’s nutrition with one of our dentists, visit our website or call us at (847) 999-0935.