March is National Nutrition Month and there’s no better time to help your child grow healthier teeth and gums for their best smile! Fun fact: Calcium, particular fatty acids, vitamins C and D and proteins all help your child’s jaw and teeth function properly. The protein your child eats helps repair gum tissue and builds jawbone density, so make sure they get enough protein to boost their oral health.
Tooth-Friendly Foods
To promote your child’s healthy tooth and gum development, supplying them with the essential vitamins and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins C and A) goes a long way to protect their tooth enamel. Fun fact: tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, BUT, it can still succumb to harmful acids and oral bacteria! The American Dental Association recommends the following foods and drinks for healthy smiles:
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Milk
- Plain yogurt
- Tofu
Best Fruits and Vegetables While Wearing Braces
Make sure to limit your child’s sugar consumption of candies, chocolates, sodas, juices and sports drinks. Did you know…high-carbohydrate foods break down into simple sugars, making them as harmful to your child’s teeth and gums? Also, If your child is currently wearing braces, these nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables make great sugar alternatives:
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Ripe peaches
- Ripe pears
- Applesauce (no whole or apple pieces)
Your child can also eat these tasty veggies while wearing braces by steaming, baking, boiling or cooking them. Anything you bake, boil or steam helps lock in their nutrients while making them soft and easy to chew:
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Squash
- Sweet Potatoes
- Zucchini
Protecting your child’s oral health as they grow — and especially while wearing braces — can keep their smiles strong all year round! Watching what your child eats and ensuring they practice good dental care every day is vital. Making sure they brush (at least twice a day) with a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect their gums and floss between teeth can make all the difference to their developing smile! Give us a call if you would like to learn more or to schedule your child’s next dental visit.