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Sugarless gum
This may call for a mindset change. Chewing any food stimulates saliva production, but chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay. In fact studies have shown their benefits. Many sugarless gum varieties are sweetened with xylitol or ‘tooth-friendly sugar’ that not only prevents cavities but can also repair minor ones. However, kids shouldn’t chew gum until at least age 4 - when you can trust them not to swallow it.
Sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and nuts
Nuts and seeds contain natural fats that coat teeth and help shield against bacteria. The oils in the seeds help strengthen enamel, making teeth more resistant to cavities, and most seeds also contain calcium that helps to build the bone around the teeth and gums. Kids older than 4 can eat trail mix (a mixture of nuts and dried fruits) as a healthy snack. Top off desserts with nuts like almonds, walnuts or peanuts. They act as a buffer against the acid-producing bacteria and help prevent to bring up the pH level.
Oranges, kiwis, strawberries, limes and peppers
There are several different types of bacteria in your child’s mouth and some of them can cause gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Vitamin C in fruits such as oranges, limes, kiwis, melons and strawberries helps kill these bacteria. It also promotes a healthy supply of collagen (a tough protein fibre) in the gums that prevents it from becoming tender. Good vegetable sources of vitamin C include red, yellow and orange peppers, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. However, dentists say that kids should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing their teeth after having citrus foods or drinks. That’s because citric acid in them can temporarily weaken tooth enamel and leave teeth vulnerable to erosion caused by brushing.
Milk, yogurt and cheese
Starchy carbohydrates like bread, potatoes and pasta break down into sugar. The bacteria in your child’s mouth feed on this sugar and produce cavity-causing acid. When your child drinks milk (without added sugar) or eats yogurt or cheese which are rich in calcium, vitamin D and phosphate it raises the pH level in his mouth, lowers acid levels and reduces the risk of tooth decay. Calcium is also beneficial in several other ways: It mixes with plaque and sticks to teeth, further protecting them from lingering acid. It also repairs damaged enamel and strengthens the bones around your child’s teeth.
Raw carrots, celery, cauliflower, green beans and snap peas
Crisp vegetables are ‘chewing foods’ that mechanically clean your child’s teeth and gums. These foods naturally scrape away plaque that builds up between meals or that kids may miss when brushing. Encourage your child to eat slowly and chew each crunchy mouthful of food completely. Give your child a salad with crunchy vegetables (like cucumber, carrot, radish and onion) and sprouts at mealtime. Chewing stimulates salivation that has a detergent action on your child’s teeth.
10 Food Dentists Hate
Some are sticky or sugary, others lower pH levels in the mouth. So if your kid eats them, be sure he brushes afterwards.
+ Gummy candy (even chewy vitamins)
+ Caramel
+ Toffee
+ Carbonated drinks
+ Fruit drinks sweetened with sugar
+ Bubble gum (with sugar)
+ Raisins
+ Potato chips
+ Biscuits
+ Honey