6 Foods Friendly for Kids’ Dental Health, Even for Picky Eaters

When it comes to feeding kids, life can get complicated. You may find yourself bargaining, threatening, pleading, or doing anything you can to get them to eat leafy greens, vegetables, and other nutritious foods they need to be healthy and strong. Obviously, if you can convince them to eat leafy greens and everything else pediatricians recommend, it’s ideal, but even picky eaters can get what they need from certain foods that support dental health but hopefully won’t create a huge struggle. What are these dental-health-friendly foods for kids? Keep reading to learn the answer!

Apples

Sometimes referred to as nature’s toothbrush, apples serve as an amazing snack or lunch item. Their sweetness pleases little taste buds while their crunchy, yet watery texture helps to scrub teeth as your child chews. Plaque and bits of other food can be removed and rinsed from teeth naturally.

Carrots

One of the crunchier foods your child can eat, carrots require quite a bit of chewing, which promotes saliva production. This fluid rinses away not only plaque but also neutralizes mouth acids. As a result, your child’s risk of cavities decreases. Plus, carrots contain Vitamin A, helping their gum tissue health against bad bacteria.

Cheese

Especially if your child still has baby teeth, calcium is important for their diet, not just for their growing bones. Teeth contain calcium as well, and having plenty of it in child’s diet can help their pearly whites stay strong against cavities and other issues. Fortunately, many kids enjoy eating cubes of cheese!

Yogurt

Not all bacteria are harmful, and yogurt proves it. These bacteria can assist with digestion but also fight bad bacteria in your child’s mouth. With so many fruit and other delicious flavors, surely you and your child can find yogurt they like. In addition to good bacteria, yogurt tends to have substantial calcium, which is also beneficial for teeth.

Eggs

Phosphorus may not be a mineral you initially think of as one your child needs, but it is! It reinforces teeth against cavities and contributes to your child’s growth. On top of being an excellent source of protein, eggs contain phosphorus that can help protect your child’s smile.

Nuts and Seeds

Unless your child has allergies, nuts and seeds are rather simple to include in your child’s diet. Cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds have tons of protein, phosphorus, and magnesium—all positive for oral health. These small bits can easily be added to yogurt or salads or eaten alone.

Picky eaters can be challenging to work with, but these foods are usually kid approved. They support your child’s dental health and can help their smile remain strong as they continue to develop.

About the Practice

Coastal Pediatric Dentistry is a dental practice that exclusively serves children from birth through the age of 18. This range contains many changes and developments, but Dr. James Forester and Dr. Natalie Vander Kam have been certified and trained specifically for these patients. They also each have their own kids and understand dental health struggles parents can face with their children. This San Luis Obispo team creates an environment where even anxious young patients can feel comfortable and at home. If you would like some advice for diet or other issues for kids’ dental health, contact us online or call us at 805-592-2020 to schedule an appointment.