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Did you know that one out of five children aged five to 11 suffers from at least one untreated tooth decay? One of seven adolescents from age 12 to 19 have at least one untreated tooth decay. It’s essential to teach your children the importance of good oral hygiene.

Small oral health problems can lead to more serious conditions as you age. While it’s good to teach your children the proper practice of dental hygiene, you shouldn’t stop there! Eating a healthy diet can also give you healthy teeth!

Here are ten healthy foods for teeth that you should incorporate into your child’s diet. Read on to discover food for healthy teeth and gums.

1. Cheese

Cheese is popular for its calcium content. Calcium helps in strengthening your kids’ teeth and bones. Cheese is also a good source of probiotic bacteria.

Cheese comes from fermented milk, and when treated well, is full of probiotic bacteria. This bacteria lives in your kid’s oral microbiome and will help to strengthen their teeth.

2. Butter

Butter is a great source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, and K2. Butter is also high in fat content. It serves as a good replacement for sugary foods because sugar is one of the primary causes of tooth decay.

If your child can’t eat casein in cheese, butter can be a good substitute. Butter contains less casein than cheese does. At the same time, butter enhances the flavor of your food while keeping your kids full and happy.

3. Raw Carrots

The fiber content in raw carrots promotes the production of healthy bacteria in the mouth. This helps in strengthening your kids’ teeth. Raw carrots are rich in various nutrients and antioxidants like magnesium and zinc.

Raw carrots can also provide beta-carotene. The texture of raw carrots can aid in promoting your child’s oral health. For kids to get healthy teeth, they need to chew on tough and fibrous foods.

4. Meat on the Bone

It is against dentists’ recommendation that you make your kid’s foods too easy to chew. Feeding your kid cuts of meat, including bone, is crucial to building their dental health. These parts may include bone marrows, ribs, and chicken legs.

Meat cuts that include the animal’s skin, bone, tendon, and cartilage are a good source of protein that can build collagen. Collagen provides support material for the gums. Meat on the bone also gives your kid minerals from the bone itself.

Please practice caution when feeding this to young children. Bones are sharp and rigid, meaning they can pose a choking hazard. Avoid giving this if the child is too young.

5. Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread contains tons of fiber, which helps cut down blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels. They’re also a good menu item to keep your kids feeling full, ensuring they don’t try to satiate hunger with junk food.

All that fiber also helps with digestion. This is great to help regulate bowel movement and to stave off complications like diarrhea.

6. Broccoli

While broccoli is generally known to promote your kid’s health, it can also help strengthen their teeth. It’s always good practice to eat green vegetables, after all.

Broccoli is a great source of nutrients like vitamins K1, C, chromium, and folate. Raw broccoli is also high in dietary fiber, which promotes the growth of probiotics in the mouth.

Eating raw broccoli is better than cooked broccoli. When you cook broccoli, you may strip it of its nutrient availability. Raw broccoli is great for your kid’s dental health and also helps to strengthen their teeth and jaws.

7. Eggs

Eggs from chicken raised in pastures are the best eggs you can feed your kids. These eggs have a high vitamin K2 content, which can help in strengthening your kid’s teeth. Eggs also provide fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K2, and are a good source of vitamins B5, B12, and folate.

Eggs also give other nutrients and antioxidants like calcium, zinc, and selenium. Eggs are the most versatile and nutritious food you can feed your kids. Your child can reap the benefits of eggs however way you prepare them.

8. Yogurt

Yogurt contains a high content of calcium, which promotes healthy teeth. Yogurt also contains casein and phosphorus which protects your kid’s tooth enamel. Yogurt also contains natural probiotic bacteria that prevent plaque build-up and gingivitis.

Since sugar is one of the main leading causes of tooth decay, be sure to get your kid a low-sugar or no-sugar variety yogurt.

9. Apples

Apples have a fibrous texture which is crucial for kid’s oral health. Chewing apples helps stimulate your kid’s gums. This helps in reducing bacteria that can potentially cause cavities.

Apples also have high vitamin C content which promotes healthy gums. Without vitamin C, your kid’s teeth are more vulnerable to infection and bleeding. Apples contain potassium that helps in increasing your bone mineral density.

10. Tea

Tea contains a high level of polyphenol. These compounds can help decrease the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Drinking black tea can reduce the build-up of plaque on your teeth.

Tea prevents harmful bacteria from clumping together. The compounds in tea, especially black tea, can also prevent bad breath.

Foods to Avoid

There are many healthy foods for teeth that you can give your kids. But you must also refrain from feeding them certain foods. Here are some foods to avoid giving your kids.

Sugary Drinks

Sugar is the leading cause of cavities. Sugar destroys tooth enamel and causes it to decay. Yes, this does mean cutting down on candies.

Citrus fruits And Juices

Citrus fruits are a great source of Vitamin C. But certain fruits like grapefruit and lemon are highly acidic. Over time, high acid content can destroy the tooth’s enamel.

Chewy Candy

Candy is full of sugar that can give your kids cavities. Chewy candies like taffies and caramel can stick to your kid’s teeth. If your kids eat chewy candy, make sure that they brush and rinse properly.

Chips, Pasta, and White Bread

Starches made from white flour can break down into simple sugars. Avoid giving your kids chips for snacks. Not only do they not contain any nutritional value, but the starch can damage your kid’s teeth.

Include These Healthy Foods For Teeth Care Now!

Now you know healthy food for your teeth. Give your kids healthy foods for teeth and teach them proper dental care for strong and healthy teeth.

But what if your kids eat too much candy? Do they need consultation regarding their teeth and gums? Feel free to contact us today for your child’s oral health!