Most kids don’t love their daily dental health routines – brushing and flossing their teeth is more like a chore than something beneficial for them. Luckily there are some ways that they’ll enjoy making their teeth healthier. Through healthy (yet tasty!) snacks, they can strengthen and clean their teeth… without even knowing they’re doing it.

Fruits:

Crunchy fruits like apples, pears, and even some strawberries are abrasive, and help to clean your teeth while you chew. Of all the crunchy fruits, apples are the best choice due to the vitamins and minerals they provide, and also because they stimulate the gums, increase saliva and fight plaque. An apple a day just might keep the cavities away!

Vegetables:

Just like the crunchy fruits, vegetable like carrots and celery are abrasive and help to clean teeth and gums. Another dental health bonus? They crate even more saliva due to extra chewing, and that helps to neutralize the acids in your mouth caused by bacteria.

Cheeses:

You may not think of cheese as being a great snack for teeth, but it is full of tooth-friendly vitamins, like calcium and phosphate. These not only help keep enamel strong, they also assist in the production of saliva, to kill cavity-causing bacteria.

Proteins:

Lean proteins contain a mineral called phosphorous, which balances the pH levels in the mouth, helps strengthen tooth enamel, and prevent bad bacteria from growing in the mouth. Chicken, eggs, and lean beef are all great options!

Even if your child is a picky eater, there are many different snacks to choose from on this list and many different ways to prepare them to make them more fun. If you have any questions about what foods would most benefit your child’s specific needs, our team at Southeast Dental in Markham would be happy to discuss options with you. Give us a call at 905-471-2002 or book an appointment online.