Bring out the backpacks and sharpen those #2 pencils – its back to school time! Starting school can be a hectic time for many families. Sending kids to school with the right school supplies and textbooks is just as important as sending them to school with a tooth-friendly packed lunch. Providing children with a healthy, energizing lunch allows them to stay fueled for the entire day and keeps tooth decay away. With tooth decay ranking number one as the most common chronic childhood disease, we need to carefully choose what goes in our kids’ mouth. By packing some of the foods listed below, noted by our favorite pediatric dentist in Los Angeles, you can help your child fend off plaque, cavities, and gum disease this school year and beyond.
Best Foods for a Healthy Mouth Include
- Protein – Sandwiches made with whole grain bread and lean protein-rich foods help teeth build enamel
- Chicken, turkey
- Bacteria Fighters – Foods with hard surfaces cause you to chew more, which generates more saliva and lowers the number of bacteria in the mouth. Further, hard veggies can act like a toothbrush by massaging gums to eliminate bacteria.
- Celery, carrots, apples, pears
- Calcium – Foods rich in calcium keep your teeth and jaw bone strong while protecting your mouth against tooth decay.
- Low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt
- Vitamin C – Foods high in Vitamin C keep your gums healthy by strengthening blood vessels and connective tissue. Additionally, some control the acidity levels in the mouth.
- Oranges, red peppers, watermelon
- Vitamin D – Foods packed with Vitamin D aid in the absorption of calcium and protein.
- Tuna fish, hard-boiled eggs
Foods to Avoid:
- White bread
- Sports drinks and soda
- Gummy candies
By following these guidelines, your child can enjoy a cavity free smile! From all of us at Crystal Dental Center, we wish our patients a wonderful school year full of growth and knowledge! For more information on healthy back to school habits, please visit www.CrsystalDentalCenters.com or call 213.748.8448 to schedule an appointment.
