There are many ways to help your kids have better dental health. You can encourage your kids to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. You can take them for regular dental checkups every six months. You can make sure they avoid sugary treats and juices. But good nutrition for kids is one of the easiest ways to improve dental health. Here are 5 foods you can add to your child’s diet to help them have healthier teeth, based on recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA):
1. Apples
Apples are a great addition to your child’s diet. In addition to adding vitamins that are good for their overall health, the process of chewing and eating apples can actually help remove plaque from teeth. Celery and carrots also provide this benefit, so try adding these healthy, crunchy snacks to lunches and snack time.
2. Spinach
Green, leafy veggies like spinach provide a variety of health benefits. Not only are they a great source of iron, but spinach and most other leafy greens are powerful antioxidants. They are also full of beta-carotene, which is needed for keeping tooth enamel strong.
3. Salmon and Other Fish
The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish are well known for improving heart health, but these same foods are great sources of vitamin D, which plays a critical role in keeping teeth and jaw bones strong.
4. Oranges
Oranges and other fruits and veggies are a great source of vitamin C. Without enough vitamin C, kids (and adults) can develop scurvy, which can cause bleeding, swollen gums.
5. Low-Fat Yogurt
Calcium is critical for healthy teeth, and yogurt is a great source of calcium that is fun for kids to eat. Mix a few berries into the yogurt for extra nutrition for kids.
In addition to healthy foods, good brushing and flossing habits, and regular checkups, the ADA recommends chewing sugar-free gum as a way to help minimize plaque. When your kids are old enough to safely have gum, it’s a great option, especially when they can’t brush their teeth right away.
Src: Shadra Bruce . Nutrition & Oral Health . Basics . Oral Care Center . Colgate.com . web . 7Sep2015
