Just like our overall health, there are foods that are better for our oral health as well. We all know that sticky foods and candy are not considered a positive part of our food pyramid and can cause cavities and oral decay. Most carbohydrates and sugary foods can add to this as well. During this time of year when most people consume larger amounts of these foods, we thought it might be helpful to compile a list of foods that are healthy for you and your oral health. As we are invested in promoting your children’s health and well being, we like to offer these guidelines to help you establish and reinforce healthy habits for your children.
Cheese, for example, is a great snack and good for your teeth! Cheese contains calcium and protein, which are both good for you and also contain nutrients that can strengthen tooth enamel. Numerous studies have discovered that eating cheese could help prevent tooth decay. These studies found that people who ate cheese increased the ph levels in their mouths. Lower pH levels (more acidic conditions) put people at risk for tooth erosion, so consuming cheese and other dairy products that raise pH would be considered protective. Cheese shapes, string cheese, and shredded cheese can be considered tasty and healthy snack choices.
Consider other snacks like apples, carrots, and celery. Cut these up in pieces and put them out for your kids to snack on. These foods are high in fiber and water, all of which are good for oral health. The action of eating these foods produces saliva in your mouth, which rinses away bacteria and food particles. Their crispness also tends to dislodge plaque and debris on the teeth so they have a physical cleaning benefit as well. Of course, we are not recommending these foods as a substitute for brushing. However, when a thorough brushing isn’t an option, consuming these foods provide the beneficial salivary flow and mechanical disruption to combat plaque on the teeth. And, don’t forget the sugar free gum. This can act in the same way though may need to be avoided in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Other foods high on our list include leafy greens (such as spinach, broccoli, and kale) nuts, and yogurt. All of these can be offered as good snacks for your children. If you have a hard time getting them to eat their leafy greens, we offer the suggestion of “sneaking” them into a smoothie made in a blender. They may not be able to detect the presence of the healthier item, but it can be a way of getting the beneficial foods into their diet until they better appreciate them on their own.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Preferred Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
