Parents face many challenges, and one of the most prominent is to guide their children to healthy eating habits. Even kids’ dentists in Murray spend a lot of time advising their patients on the best foods to eat for stronger teeth. Often, their advice also includes how to brush teeth correctly, how to stop thumb sucking, etc.
For parents, it is important to remember that dental health is impactful on childhood development. That’s why dieting right is crucial to kids. Here are some food items you can add to your kids’ meals:
1. Eggs
Probably, no food is more versatile than eggs. Its rich content of minerals and vitamins make it ideal for children’s health. You can consider an egg as a multivitamin, as it contains Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Omega-3 fats, and Niacin.
2. Dairy Products
Dairy products offer more than just strengthening the bones. Yogurt, cheese, milk, and other dairy-based food helps strengthen the enamel. Some of these are also capable of stimulating the production of saliva, which is a good shield for the teeth from bacteria.
If your kids cannot eat them alone, encourage them to take these with other meals or snacks. The secret to these is the increase in pH, which automatically locks out acidity from the mouth. Take note, however, that flavored milk and yogurt do not fit in this category.
3. Whole Grains
Whole grains are known for their nutritional value and fiber content. In addition, they contain lots of magnesium, which is good for tooth enamel development. This is different from refined grains, which are already in simple sugar form. Some whole grains to add to the diet are brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat bread.
4. Crusty Vegetables
Another excellent way to promote kids’ oral health is to incorporate broccoli, cauliflower, apples, carrots, and other crunchy vegetables in their diet. To add to their nutritional value, these foods demand a lot of chewing before swallowing.
The particles created in the process of chewing help remove debris and plaque from the teeth. If you can also find celery, do not leave it behind. This marshland plant has natural floss characteristics, it contains a lot of water and fibrous strands that promote teeth health. For apples, you need to be a little careful because of its malic acid. Brush after eating (but wait for at least 30 minutes!) to reap their full benefits.
5. Sugarless Chewing Gum
If you have been ignoring your kid’s begs for chewing gum, you better allow them to have a pack next time. The sugarless brands are beneficial to dental health. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which enhances the circulation of natural antibodies, thus keeping the gums moisturized. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that chewing for about 20 minutes is enough to prevent tooth decay.
Healthy teeth and healthy foods go hand in hand. By incorporating these five foods in your kid’s diet, you will be teaching them valuable lifelong lessons. When they grow up, they will be thankful for their support.