It’s almost time for kids to head back to school, which means you’ll need to hit the grocery store for lunch supplies as well. And while there’s a number of reasons why you’ll want to stock your child’s lunchbox with nutritious foods, here’s one reason you may not have thought of: their oral health! By giving your child these particular foods in their lunch, you can help to fight plaque, gingivitis, tooth decay and more.
1. Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, broccoli, and carrots are an excellent addition to any lunchbox! They are just like nature’s toothbrushes— they naturally scrub your child’s teeth as they chew, rubbing away plaque from the surface of their teeth. Plus, their high water content and ability to increase saliva production helps to wash away debris and bacteria from your child’s teeth.
2. Oranges and Pineapples
Citrus fruits should be eaten in moderation, as the acids can corrode your dental enamel. That said, there are a number of reasons why these fruits are great for your kid’s teeth. For starters, they’re jam-packed with vitamin C, which helps to prevent bleeding gums and inflammation. They also neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause dental decay. Finally, these tart fruits increase saliva production to help naturally wash away plaque and debris.
3. Spinach
Whenever possible, try to sneak some leafy greens into your child’s lunch. Spinach is rich in antioxidants and iron. It is also full of beta-carotene, which strengthens your child’s dental enamel to fight off tooth decay!
4. Fish
Fish, such as salmon, is an excellent source of vitamin D. Studies have proven that people with high levels of vitamin D were 20% less likely to have gingivitis. It also helps to keep your child’s teeth and jawbone strong. Therefore, adding fish to your child’s diet is great to boost their oral health!
5. Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese
There are a number of reasons why dairy products are great for your kid’s teeth. For starters, calcium keeps your child’s gums in good health and wards off gingivitis. Also, calcium and lactic acids found in milk, yogurt, and cheese help to fortify your child’s dental enamel and make their teeth whiter! It is even thought that a protein found in cheese called casein can restore the minerals in tooth enamel, making their teeth stronger to prevent cavities.
6. Water
In lieu of sodas, juice, or other sugary drinks, try to encourage your child to drink plenty of water at lunch. There are a number of health benefits to drinking plenty of water, including washing away acids and food debris that could otherwise lead to tooth decay. As an added bonus, water helps to rinse away foods that could leave stains on your child’s teeth. Therefore, drinking water not only improves their oral health, but it makes their smile look great too! Looking for more ways to improve your child’s oral health this school year? Why not schedule their regular dental exam! To make their appointment, contact Fairview Dental Group in Westmont today.