3 Smile-Friendly Foods that Can Help Kids Avoid Cavities

According to The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42% of kids between the ages of 2 and 11 have had cavities in their primary teeth. But contrary to the belief that lazy or improper brushing habits are the cause, decay truly thrives because of diets that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Now, if you’ve ever had to get a picky eater to finish even half of the food on their plate, you may have found that compromising with treats can often do the trick. This practice may get them to eat, but if done often, it can damage their teeth. Luckily, there is hope for both their diet and dental health! Before you go back to your children’s dentist near Love Field, try giving your kids these smile-friendly foods that can help reduce the risk of decay and support their overall health.

Oatmeal

Cold months often call for cozy breakfasts like hot oatmeal. Oats contain essential minerals like calcium, iron and zinc, which all help to build strong teeth and bones. If you’d like to increase the dental benefits, swap out sugar for apples and unfiltered honey to sweeten it. Crunching on apples stimulates saliva production, minimizing the amount of bacteria on your child’s teeth. Manuka honey is antibacterial and can actually help clean teeth by breaking down cavity-causing plaque, but it can also fight oral infections, gum disease, and more. So, eat up!

Celery with Peanut Butter

The American Dental Association has reported that fiber helps keep your smile healthy by improving the digestion of sugars. Peanut butter typically contains 1 gram of total dietary fiber per tablespoon. Two medium stalks of celery hold 5 grams of dietary fiber. Put the two together and you’ve got a delicious, fiber-packed snack that is great for dental and overall health.

Sweet Potato Fries

From the time kids start feeding themselves, fries are a familiar and tasty go-to side dish. But swapping out the french fries they’re used to, which are refined carbs, for sweet potato fries can make a big difference when they go back to the dentist. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, which maintains the soft tissue of the gums, and keratin, a protein that promotes the growth of tooth enamel. Simply cut up a sweet potato into slim strips, drizzle with olive oil, add a sprinkle of sea salt, and bake in the oven until they reach the desired crispiness. Trade out ketchup for melted Manuka honey, and you’ve got a treat you won’t have to beg your little ones to eat!

Research shows that 80% of all cavities occur in just 25% of kids, but your child doesn’t have to be part of this statistic. Simply changing the foods they eat and monitoring their dental hygiene habits can reduce their risk of cavities and help make family trips to the dentist much more pleasant for everyone!

About the Author

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, the team of pediatric dentists and specialists are committed to continued education so they can offer gentle care using the most advanced technology and materials. The doctors and staff are also dedicated to providing patients of all ages with a positive, comfortable experience. If you aim to keep your child’s teeth healthy and want a pediatric dentist who cares, visit the website or contact the office at (214) 350-5333 to learn more.