Medical practitioners all agree that children must eat from the major food groups so they can grow healthy. Too many carbohydrates, sugars and savoury foods, and starches can result in tooth decay. Carbohydrates that stay too long on the teeth are the main reason for tooth decay to occur.
As children dentists throughout Vancouver and the lower mainland, we feel it's important to educate parents and children on the best foods they can eat. Here are a few of the best foods which help enable strong and healthy teeth.
Raw carrots, celery, cauliflower, green beans, and snap peas – crisp vegetables are considered as “chewing foods” that help in cleaning the teeth and gums of your child. These types of foods can naturally remove plaque buildup that children miss during their brushing. Encourage your kid to eat and chew these crunchy foods slowly and properly.
Sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds, and nuts –nuts and seeds have natural fats, which help cover the teeth and protect them from bacteria. The oils found in seeds also help strengthen the enamel, which makes them more impervious against cavities and most seeds contain calcium. Children age four years old and above can eat them as a healthy treat.
Eggs – eggs contain calcium, Vitamin D, and protein, which are minerals that help with oral health. Vitamin D is crucial to absorbing calcium to help build and maintain healthy and tough teeth.
Dairy Products – dairy products that don't have sugar has positive effects on teeth. Cheese helps in stimulating saliva production while calcium aids in replacing lost minerals. Other dairy products like milk and yogurt also have calcium and phosphates. Enriched milk contains Vitamin D that aids the body in utilizing calcium.
Whole grains – whole grains contain magnesium that helps build tooth enamel. Refined carbohydrates are grains that results from being broken down and turned to simple sugars, which are bad for dental health compared to the whole grains.
Xylitol – sugarless chewing gums can provide added help in boosting dental health because they help stimulate the production of saliva. Gums with xylitol, a kind of sugar from various plants, can help fend off tooth decay. Xylitol has been found to fight streptococci mutans, the main bacteria that cause tooth decay. Aside from being added in chewing gums, xylitol can also be bought in health stores.
