Now that August is officially here, it’s almost time for your kids to go back to school. Have you gotten everything they need on their back to school list? Are there any positive habits you want them to start forming? The end of summer is a great time for you and your little one to set health and educational goals. As a parent, there’s an easy way that you can help keep your son or daughter’s teeth in good shape even when they’re at school! Keep reading to learn some of the best foods you can pack to keep your kids’ smiles healthy and shining.
Low-Fat Dairy
Your children’s dentist recommends foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt because they are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which helps keep tooth enamel healthy and strong. Once enamel is lost, it can’t be regenerated, which is why it’s important for your kids to take any extra steps to help keep their smiles strong.
Apples
Who knew that an apple a day could keep the cavities away? While eating apples aren’t a fool-proof way to keep teeth clean, they sure can help! Chewing apples and other crunchy, high-fiber fruits can actually scrub away plaque stuck to teeth. Plus, it’s rich with vitamins and minerals for your growing son or daughter, making it an easy to eat and pack snack.
Fluoridated Water
You may already know that your kids should drink water instead of sugary beverages to avoid cavities, but did you know that tap water specifically can help protect their teeth? Next time you pack their lunch, skip the bottled water and have the get water from the drinking fountain. Or, better yet, send them to school with a refillable bottle. Tap water contains fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that fights cavities and decay.
Celery and Carrots
Just like apples, these veggies are crunchy and contain a lot of water, which makes them almost like natural toothbrushes. According to an expert dentist in Kansas City, they can scrub away lingering plaque on teeth. Carrots and celery are easy to pack in your little one’s lunchbox, and most kids even find they are easy and fun to crunch on.
Nuts and Seeds
Many snacks that kids like are high in acid, which strips away enamel and causes decay. Nuts and seeds are great at neutralizing these acids because they are high in calcium and phosphorous, which helps remineralize enamel and keep your child’s smile strong.
Now that you know some of the best foods for healthy teeth for your children, are you ready to take on back to school season? Head into this year with great tasting and healthy food for your kids’ smiles.
About the Practice
At Prime Dentistry, Dr. Dhiren Ahir and Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya are a team of dentists who love caring for little smiles. They take pride in helping children develop healthy teeth that set them up for successful futures, which is why they want you to know some extra oral health tips for the upcoming school year. If you have any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (940) 514-0333.
