How to Choose Foods to Strengthen Kids' Teeth

A child̵7;s happy smile can warm a mother's heart, but one that is both happy and healthy can also make her proud. During childhood, your little ones will hopefully learn the importance of good oral hygiene. They should also learn the importance of eating healthily. When choosing foods for your children, some are better for the teeth than others. However, a few types of foods top the list for helping teeth stay strong and healthy.

Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your kids fresh fruit rather than candies, cookies and cakes to satisfy their sweet tooth. They help remove plaque and other foods that get stuck to teeth to aid in cavity prevention. Fruit is also high in fiber, which increases saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps rinse acids and sugars, which are harmful to the teeth.

    • 2

      Select foods that are high in calcium and protein, such as milk, fish, broccoli, dried beans and yogurt, recommends West Virginia University. Calcium and protein help protect tooth enamel and encourage healthy tooth development. Calcium also helps replenish essential minerals that other foods can deplete.

    • 3

      Satisfy your kids̵7; crunchy cravings with raw carrots, celery, broccoli and other raw vegetables. Raw veggies help remove food from the teeth and fight bacteria. In addition, vegetables are high in fiber, so, like fruit, they increase the saliva in the mouth.

    • 4

      Feed your children foods with whole grains. These are not just good for the teeth, but the B vitamins and iron found in whole grains are also good for the gums, according to Oral-B. Read the label, because it needs to say either whole wheat or whole grain. Breads, cereals and brown rice are often good sources of whole grains for your kids.

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