More Calcium Equals Better Dental Health
Good
nutrition is an important component of good oral health. We all know that
children should avoid sugary snacks, especially soda and candy that stick to
the teeth. Calcium consumption may play a significant role in maintaining your
child’s healthy smile. In addition to milk, there are several other foods that
will add calcium to your child’s diet.
Most
of us were told as children that milk helps to build strong bones. That is
true—and it builds strong teeth as well. Milk is one of our primary sources of
calcium, and while milk does contain lactose, a form of sugar, lactose is one
of the least-damaging sugars to teeth. Experts routinely recommend that milk
and water be the only drinks offered to children between meals.
However,
there is an important caveat here: While milk may be good for your child’s
teeth during the day, it can be detrimental at night. Letting your toddler go
to sleep with a bottle of milk encourages prolonged exposure to the sugars in
the milk and can actually cause decay.
But
milk is not the only good source of calcium. Consider adding the following to
your child’s diet:
- Yogurt contains calcium and the
added benefit of probiotics, encouraging the growth of “good” bacteria in
your child’s mouth and digestive tract. Check the ingredients on the
yogurt you purchase, however, and make sure it does not contain large
amounts of sugar.
- Cheese, too, has added
benefits. Many studies have found that cheese stimulates the flow of
saliva in the mouth, which washes away decay-causing food particles and
lowers the level of acid in the mouth. Consider adding cheddar, Swiss,
Monterey Jack or another cheese to your child’s meals or as a snack.
- Dark, leafy greens such as
kale, collard greens and spinach are also good sources of calcium. While
children may not get excited about eating green vegetables, include them
in your meals when your children are young, and they are more likely to
become fans.
When
you encourage healthy eating early on, your child will develop good habits that
last a lifetime. For more tips on encouraging a healthy diet, call us for an
appointment with Dr. Jared or ask us at your child’s next checkup at KiDDS Dental. We are always happy to
discuss foods that can help keep your child’s teeth healthy for years to come.
