Last month’s blog was all about what foods are harmful to your child’s teeth and are likely to contribute to problems with cavities. This month we’ll take a more positive approach and have a look at 5 foods that can actually contribute to better oral health.

1. Dairy products: this should come as no great surprise since milk and other dairy foods have long been prized as an outstanding source of calcium. Added calcium helps prevent tooth decay in growing children: so bring on the skim milk, yogurt, cheese and other good stuff! Calcium isn’t tied to fat level, so for optimum health choose skim products whenever possible.
2. Leafy greens: Broccoli has calcium? You bet! So do certain nuts such as almonds and Brazil nuts. If your child struggles with the taste of broccoli, try serving it covered in melted cheese for even more calcium and a much more palatable flavor.
3. Whole wheat bread: Though whole-wheat bread and other whole grains have the carbohydrates that can lead to tooth decay, they are an important source of B vitamins and iron which are essential to maintaining strong and healthy gums. Choose whole grains whenever possible: just be sure your child is brushing twice a day, every day!
4. Fiber-rich raw foods: Chomping on raw carrots, celery, and apples is a nutritious way to snack and it is also good for teeth. Eating these foods massages the gums, stimulating circulation; they also have high water content which serve to clean teeth. The increased salivation that comes from eating these types of foods neutralizes harmful acids inside the mouth too.
5. Lean meat, fish, and poultry: These good old-fashioned staples for protein are also important sources of magnesium and zinc which promote healthy teeth.

Of course, eating beneficial foods is great but it’s never a substitute for sound oral hygiene habits like twice-daily brushing and flossing. For optimum dental health, make sure you take your child to a Utah pediatric dentist like Stevenson Pediatric for twice-yearly checkups and cleanings.