A healthy, balanced diet is just as important for your child’s oral health as seeing a dentist in Laguna Niguel on a regular basis. So, when you are preparing your child’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or afternoon snack, you want to keep certain dietary factors in mind that will help you serve a more tooth-friendly meal. When you establish these eating habits early on, your child will benefit in the long term. 

If you have received dental implants in Orange County, then you may understand how an excess of certain foods can lead to a buildup of acid, which causes tooth decay and other oral health issues. This is not the only reason to visit an oral surgeon in Mission Viejo Ca, but it can be one of the leading factors of permanent tooth loss. In order to ensure that your family maintains strong, healthy teeth, follow these guidelines for teeth-friendly foods. 

Foods that Promote Healthy Teeth

Protein and calcium are nutrients that can help strengthen our tooth enamel. This is what makes cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products a good addition to any meal. Cheese is known for raising the pH in our mouths, which can lower the risk of decay. Yogurt has probiotics which are a good kind of bacteria that will protect gums from cavity-causing bacteria. When you’re choosing a dairy product to boost your child’s intake of calcium and protein, make sure to choose something that is plain with no artificial or added sugars. 

Leafy greens are a great addition to any meal to promote dietary health along with oral health. Consider adding kale or spinach to a fruit smoothie for an extra boost of vitamins and calcium. While not every child will like leafy vegetables, they are pretty easy to integrate into certain meals without causing a stir. Adding spinach on top of pasta, pizza, or in a sandwich is a great way to introduce this ingredient into your child’s diet. 

Crispy foods like apples, carrots, and celery are great for saliva production and, thus, can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Their fibrous textures will also stimulate and strengthen your child’s gum tissue. All three of these can be served as a snack on their own, or chopped up and thrown into a salad. 

Almonds are another source of calcium that will benefit your child’s teeth in the long run. If you decide to give these to your child as a snack, go for unsalted or low-salted options. You can substitute potato chips with these crunchy nuts for a healthier snack or integrate them into salads. 

Now that you know what foods will protect your child’s teeth, it is important for you to know what foods you should avoid or reduce in their meals. Follow these guidelines and take your child to their regularly scheduled appointments at a dentist in Laguna Niguel to promote healthy, strong teeth that will last. 

Foods that Can Cause Dental Problems  

• Hard candy
• Acidic foods
• Crunchy starchy foods 
• Sugary foods
• Carbonated drinks