As parents, we try to keep our children as healthy as possible – from their physical and mental health to their dental health.

In addition to good oral hygiene habits, what kids eat and drink plays a role in their dental health. Foods high in sugars, starches, and carbohydrates can cause tooth decay and cavities. That’s why it’s helpful to know what foods will keep your children’s teeth healthy and strong.

Learn More: Healthy Habits for a Healthy Mouth

Fruits and Vegetables

Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables are a great snack alternative because they help remove sugars and bacteria that stick to teeth and can turn to plaque.

Not only are apples rich in fiber and vitamins, but they also help keep kids’ teeth clean. The crunch of an apple helps remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth, and chewing promotes saliva production – both work together to keep teeth healthy.

Carrots are high in fiber, which encourages the formation of good bacteria that help strengthen your child’s teeth. Raw carrots are also a healthy source of beta-carotene, known to help heal gum disease.

Green Leafy Vegetables

Foods like spinach, romaine, and kale contain healthy nutrients that help grow strong bodies. Their folic acid is also good for teeth and gums.

Broccoli contains high levels of calcium, which strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay. It also contains a compound that helps kill bacteria that cause cavities.

Foods with High Water Content

Fruits and veggies with high water content, like cucumbers, celery, melons, and pears, help keep teeth cleaner and lower the amount of sugar in the mouth.

Nuts

Nuts are a quick source of energy for kids and a great healthy snack. Studies show that eating nuts helps reduce the likelihood of cavities and other oral health problems because the high levels of fiber and protein in nuts help keep teeth clean and healthy. Nuts also contain calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen tooth enamel.

Low sugar nut butter is also a healthy snack option.

Lean Meats

Meat is an excellent source of phosphorus, which helps repair tooth enamel, and it’s also high in calcium, an essential component for strong bones and teeth. Meat provides other minerals that prevent cavities and promote healthy teeth as well.

Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce gum inflammation and protect against tooth decay. Chicken, turkey, and white fish are other healthy examples of lean meats.

Dairy

In addition to being an excellent source of nutrition for children, milk has several advantages for oral health. The calcium helps strengthen teeth, and the protein aids in the healing of damaged gums. Milk’s saturated fat content also helps prevent tooth decay.

The high calcium content of cheese strengthens teeth and prevents cavities. Cheese also contains phosphate, which helps remineralize enamel.

Yogurt contains probiotics that help reduce plaque and bacteria levels. Yogurt’s calcium content helps strengthen teeth, while its lactic acid can remove surface stains.

Eggs

Eggs are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Calcium strengthens teeth and bones, and phosphorus helps strengthen tooth enamel.

Atkins & Anderson Family Dentistry in Bryan/College Station Can Help

If you’re looking for foods to keep your children’s teeth healthy this school year, add these options to their lunchbox or after-school snack. Atkins & Anderson Family Dentistry excels in giving people of all ages healthy teeth and beautiful smiles. Your family deserves advanced dental care in a warm, friendly environment where your comfort is the highest priority! Contact us today to learn more about our practice and services.

Learn More: 8 Foods for Healthy Teeth