Maintaining your child’s oral health requires time and effort. Brushing and flossing at home is essential if plaque and tartar are to be avoided, and regular dental checkups and cleanings are crucial for year-round protection. But are there certain vitamins and minerals that can benefit the health and well-being of your child’s smile? Discover which food items you should incorporate into your little one’s mealtimes for stronger, longer-lasting teeth and gums.
The Vulnerability of a Child’s Smile
It’s no secret that young smiles are often more prone to cavities. Children are learning how to properly brush their teeth (and eventually floss) and the importance of taking care of their pearly whites. This process takes time, which means parents play a big role in helping their kids stick to a morning and nighttime dental hygiene routine.
Unfortunately, daily brushing and flossing usually isn’t enough. Sugary and starchy snacks as well as fruit juices and acidic sports drinks can cause problems that are often unnoticeable to the naked eye. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can mitigate many of these issues, especially if caught early.
But what about other methods of protection, like vitamins and minerals?
Can Certain Foods Benefit My Child’s Smile?
Yes! There are many healthy, nutrient-rich foods that you can begin to incorporate into your child’s diet that will not only benefit their body and overall wellness but also protect their teeth and gums against decay and disease.
Some of the most valuable minerals and vitamins you can add include:
- Vitamin A – Adding carrots, spinach, tuna, and even sweet potatoes into your child’s diet can help increase saliva production and minimize their chances of developing gum disease.
- Vitamin C – Oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and peppers contain vitamin C – an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation inside your child’s mouth as well as deliver maximum gum protection.
- Vitamin D – Salmon, red meat, fortified milk and cereal, and even natural sunlight can deliver vitamin D, which is known to strengthen teeth and allow calcium to be properly absorbed.
- Calcium – Milk, cheese, yogurt, dark leafy greens, and multiple grains contain calcium and are great for protecting against harmful bacteria while strengthening tooth enamel.
- Phosphorus – Meat, beans, lentils, nuts, and whole grains contain phosphorus – a valuable mineral that keeps teeth structurally intact and dense.
Adding these foods to your child’s diet may not be too much of a stretch, especially if they already enjoy eating various fruits and vegetables. No matter how you choose to incorporate them, know that these vitamins and minerals can make a positive impact on the health of your child’s smile.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Preece is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree at The Ohio State University. Passionate about young, growing smiles, he completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, NY. He provides parents with valuable tips and information on ways to improve their child’s oral health year-round and readily offers nutritional advice designed to protect teeth and gums from harmful bacteria. If you would like to know more about how you can make sure your child is eating a nutrient-rich diet, visit our website or call (972) 309-9992.