Food and drinks play a key role in maintaining good oral health
It goes without saying that you want the best for your child, and the importance of nutrition cannot be understated. When it comes to keeping your little one’s oral health on track, good food and drink choices are key. We’ve put together a few easy-to-pack snack ideas that are great for lunch boxes, whether for school or on a road trip with the family…
Crunchy fruits and veggies
Snacking on crunchy veggies is great for teeth and gums, but it can be tricky to get children to enjoy such healthy choices. Try and keep things interesting by turning ordinary produce into exciting and tasty treats — spread some sugar-free peanut butter on a stalk of celery and top with raisins, or serve up some apple slices with a layer of ricotta cheese for a bonus protein boost.
Cheesy treats
Cheese is a great snack choice because it’s naturally sugar-free and packed with calcium. It also helps to neutralise the acid in the mouth, which helps to prevent tooth decay. Cheese sticks make ideal lunch box treats, while cottage cheese is a good addition to any picnic spread. Serve it on sandwiches or pair it with fruits for something different.
Natural yoghurt and milk
It’s no secret that dairy is a great source of calcium, which keeps teeth and bones strong, so try and find ways to incorporate it into your child’s diet. Smoothies are a good way of serving up yoghurt and milk — simply blend them up with some frozen berries or fresh fruits for a sweet treat that’s free from processed sugar. You can even throw in some fresh vegetables to create an extra-nutritious snack.
What to avoid
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and drinks, forming acidic plaque that can erode the enamel of the teeth and lead to decay. For this reason, sugary foods and drinks can cause considerable damage to teeth and should be avoided as much as possible. Encourage your child to drink water, rather than soft drinks and sweet fruit juices and give them candy and other sugary treats in moderation. Chat to your child about the importance of good nutrition, and try and teach them healthy habits from an early age.
If you would like some more tips and information about how to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy, take a look at our children’s dentistry page.
To arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We provide dental services to the whole family!