Some of the best oral care practices are highly recommended by dentists all around the world, for children to have naturally strong and healthy teeth. Among these, few of the most recommended oral care practices include flossing, applying fluoride, brushing gently, and even seeing the dentist on a regular basis. These practices help in keeping bacteria away, and also in nurturing the enamel, dentin, cementum and pulp. However, these processes would only be effective as long as the teeth get the required nutrients that build them strong. Elements like fiber, vitamin c, necessary phytochemicals and even lauric acid can only be obtained by a child through certain food practices. While oral care practices can only keep the teeth clean and prevent cavities to help the teeth stay strong, certain food practices build the teeth strong in the first place. That being said, the following are 5 food items that are immensely helpful in building your child’s teeth strong and healthy.
Raisins are not only delicious but they are good for your oral health! They are an amazing source of phytochemicals. These chemicals suppress the growth of bacteria associated with gum disease and cavities. So even though raisins are sticky and sweet, they aren’t detrimental to your dental health, as they do not contain sucrose. They contain fructose and glucose sugar types. Sucrose is heavily related to sugar-related oral diseases and cavities. Eat up!
Tip: If your child doesn’t like raisins, make it fun! Make your own trail mix and let them help! Get some of your child’s favorite crackers, snacks and add in some raisins for your perfect trail mix, kid-approved!
If foods could be superheroes, Yogurt would have the coolest outfit with the best cape! Yogurt is a superfood for your dental health. We all know yogurt contains probiotics and those are good for you, but did you know probiotics help your gums too? That’s right! The active cultures in yogurt can help slow the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. It’s also a great source of calcium, keeping your teeth strong and healthy! Yogurt also decreases the acidity in your mouth by balancing your mouth’s PH and lastly, it can help reduce bad breath! Those powerful probiotics are at it again, this time reducing the stinky bacteria found in your mouth.
Tip: Make sure to make a good yogurt choice for optimal benefits, one that is sugar-free and plain is going to have the most probiotics. Too plain for you or your child’s taste? Add in some fresh fruit or honey to naturally sweeten.
Coconut oil could rule the world! Every day we are hearing about more and more benefits of this powerful source of saturated fat. Coconut oil has significant benefits for oral health as it contains lauric acid. This type of acid attacks harmful bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria can also cause tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath! Another use for coconut oil is oil pulling. Pulling can be beneficial in decreasing plaque buildup and signs of gingivitis. Numerous studies have been done showing that coconut oil can reduce as much bacteria as chlorhexidine given to you in the dentist’s office!
Tip: Coconut oil is easy to add in to recipes. A quick google can give you numerous ways to include coconut oil in snacks, meals and desserts that you and your family will love!
Onions may make you cry when you cut them but they make your mouth smile when you eat them! Onions are great at neutralizing oral bacteria leading to healthier gums. Onions have microbial properties that take aim at some of the most common types of bacteria in the mouth. These harmful bacteria cause cavities and gum disease! So level up your onion intake to keep your mouth in check.
Tip: Onions can quickly be added to many dishes you eat or make your family such as salads, burgers or soups. You can also try making some onion rings in an air fryer for your little one!
Leafy greens such as spinach have more fiber thus requiring more chewing increasing your saliva. More saliva helps “rinse” food particles that may be stuck to your teeth near the gum line. Kale and spinach are also filled with vitamins and minerals that are not just good for your health but for your mouth too. They contain Vitamin C, which is known to reduce inflammation. This is especially beneficial in aiding gum disease and irritation.
Tip: Add some spinach or kale to some of your child’s favorite fruits and coconut milk for a delicious smoothie!
As always, it’s important to keep up your dental care routine. Brushing twice daily, flossing at least once daily and going to the dentist near you regularly. While these foods may be beneficial to your oral health, that doesn’t mean you should leave them sitting on your teeth. So make sure to keep up your healthy dental practices for an optimum smile!