Nutrition for Kids: 5 Healthy Foods that Improve Dental Health

Our kid’s happiness is the ultimate happiness parents will be grateful for. Not only is that an indication that the parents did a stellar job raising beautiful kids, but it means your kids will grow up to be fine young men and women. Nutrition for Kids: 5 Healthy Foods that Improve Dental Health 

But what if behind that happiness is a smile filled with cavities?

Kids are very prone to cavities. Due to the amount of sugar-laden treats they eat, these sugary foods open up a breathing ground for a variety of bacteria. In turn, the bacteria produce acid which is responsible for eroding the enamel in kids’ teeth. Once the enamel or the outer layer of the teeth is damaged, it will cause more tooth decays.

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Healthy Foods for Dental Health :

Aside from teaching your kids to brush in the morning and before bedtime, talking them into eating healthy food will not only ensure excellent dental health, but will also improve their overall health as well.

1. Leafy Greens :

Phosphorus is an important mineral that our body needs. These minerals are mostly found in vegetables specifically leafy greens. While our kids may not favor spinach over a piece of donut, letting them eat a handful of leafy greens daily will be beneficial for their dental health. Usually, teething in babies happens in the initial six to nine months. However, it’s essential that you take care of your kids’ teeth after that because they’re still in the developmental stage. And during this stage, phosphorus is extremely important to form a hard structure for the teeth.[1]

2. Yogurt and Cheese :

Dairy products are also helpful in maintaining good dental health for kids. Yogurt, for example, has a high calcium and protein content. Protein is a crucial building block for development, especially in a kid’s life. Protein helps in repairing the outer layer of the teeth or enamel in case bacteria can penetrate it. Calcium, on the other hand, is also beneficial to keep the kids’ teeth in place. While you can find calcium and protein in most dairy products like yogurt and cheese, there are other good sources of calcium and protein which your kids will love:

• Fortified soy milk
• Orange juice
• Tofu
• Almonds
• Sweet potato
• Beans
• Peas
• Cereals
• Enriched waffles, grains, bread [2]

3. Apples :

They say “An apple a day takes the doctor away.” Together with celery and carrots, this adage is true when it comes to your kids’ oral health. Although apple juices are more enticing to kids, fresh apples are better because your kids can chew them. The more your kid’s mouth produces saliva, the more this decreases the acidity in the mouth. And we all know what acid from bacteria can do to the teeth’s enamel, right? When your kids bite and chew on apples, this can stimulate the gums and create more saliva which monitors good levels of citric and malic acids in the mouth. Plus, saliva also removes all the food particles left behind which can lead to cavities. [3]

4. Berries :

Berries are not only delicious and healthy snacks with very little calories, but they are also packed with anthocyanins. These anthocyanins will inhibit the proliferation and bond of pathogens on host tissues. Pathogens open up a number of infectious bacteria that can multiply and damage oral health.[4]

Berries have phytochemicals that carry polyphenols.[5]  They are antioxidant properties that enhance dental health by mitigating inflammation and infections as well. [6]

5. Salmon :

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which can help protect and strengthen the teeth and gums. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to preventing the onset of oral diseases due to DHA’s (docosahexaenoic acid) anti-inflammatory properties. [7]

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References :

[1]Benefits of Phosphorus for Dental Health

[2]Calcium-Rich Foods for Kids

[3]Fruits and Veggies for a Healthy Smile

[4]How Pathogens Can Make Us Sick

[5]Role of Polyphenols in Oral Health

[6]Polyphenols as Dietary Antioxidants in Human Health

[7]Omega-3 Improves Periodontal Outcomes

Author Bio:

Annah Brooks is a passionate blogger who adores expounding on health, beauty, food, travel and more. She enjoys sharing beauty and health care tips to stay healthier and happier. She is currently working for Dentist Dr. Powell, owned by Sherry Powell one of the leading West Columbia dentists.