Seven Foods for Healthy Teeth

What your child chooses to eat will affect their teeth. Too many carbohydrates, sugar, for example, from cookies, candies, milk, cake, and other sugary foods and beverages, and starches, for example, pretzels and potato chips, can cause tooth decay. How long these carbohydrates remain on their teeth is the main culprit that leads to tooth decay.

The best thing you can do as a parent is to teach your child to make healthy food choices. Here are some tooth-friendly foods to serve your child along with some other tips:

• Raisins- A favorite among after-school snacks, these little dried fruits contain a high dose of phytochemicals. These are naturally occurring chemicals which fight off harmful bacteria. Less bacterial growth in the mouth means less build-up of plaque and tartar.
• Oranges- Oranges have an extremely high Vitamin C content. Vitamin C plays an important role in the makeup of connective tissues, such as those found in the gums. Strong gums support the teeth and maintain strong bone structure. They also give a boost to your child’s immune system, preventing illness that would disrupt your child's dental routine.
• Carrots- Munching on crunchy foods is an excellent way to keep teeth strong. Bones maintain their density with resistance exercises. Chewing crunchy foods is a great way to help keep the integrity in the jawbone to stay dense and resilient, while the carrot fibers help clean the teeth. They are also high in vitamin C, which helps with the production of saliva. Adequate saliva plays an important role in the health of the gums as well as the teeth. Finally, they contain a good amount of phosphorus, one of the components of the bone tissue found in teeth.
• Milk- Known as an excellent source of calcium, milk helps bones to grow strong. Calcium is also a necessary mineral in the growth and maintenance of teeth.
• Fish- All kinds of fish come with the benefit of a high vitamin D content. Vitamin D is crucial in the absorption of calcium. Without enough of it, the body cannot use the calcium. From tuna to salmon, fish offers many health benefits to your growing child.
• Cranberries- These tart little berries have polyphenols, a compound which discourages the build-up of plaque. Like the benefits of the phytochemicals found in raisins, polyphenols discourage the growth and build-up of harmful plaque.
• Water- Making sure your child drinks water helps in so many different ways. Water rinses away sugars and bacteria. It is gentle and natural, and very accessible. Maintaining enough water in the body helps all body systems to function. This includes the salivary glands and the bone-forming cells which protect us from cavities. Free of sugars and added chemicals, water is an excellent choice as a go-to drink for your child.