Are you trying to figure out how to make your teeth stronger? Lucky for you, we have the answer to how you can do just that! You probably already know that what you eat and put in your body is very important, but there’s one thing you just might not be too aware of just yet—what you eat can have a big impact on how strong your teeth are. Good superheroes need strong teeth! To help you talk with your child about the importance of eating healthy foods to make their teeth stronger, check out our infographic below.
Let’s Learn More About These 5 Foods!
Dairy Products
To put it simply, your teeth need calcium! 99% of your calcium intake is stored in your teeth and bones. Without calcium, your teen will get weaker. Eating and drinking dairy products is a great way for you to consume this much-needed vitamin. They tend to have other great minerals and vitamins that your body needs and craves too. For example, milk is enriched with phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin D too! These allow your body to take in more calcium as well as use it effectively. How can you start including more dairy in your diet? Try adding these items to your meals throughout the day:
- Milk (a great substitute for soda!)
- Low-fat yogurt
- Cheese—ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, feta, etc
- Ice Cream (in moderation, but this is a great excuse to keep having dessert!)
Note: Calcium is Not Only Found in Dairy
If you’re lactose-intolerant or vegan, can you still consume enough calcium to make your teeth stronger? Yes! Although dairy products are definitely some of the more common sources for calcium, you can still find calcium in other foods. These are just a few:
- Almonds and seeds
- Beans and lentils
- Tofu
- Rhubarb (say hello to all the strawberry-rhubarb pie you can eat!)
Fruit
While snacks such as dried fruit and fruit leather are popular, fruit is most beneficial when eaten in its raw form. It helps to keep plaque at bay and even massages your gums. Fruit that contains Vitamin C is best because it helps prevent gum disease. Here are a few great options:
- Guava
- Kiwi
- Lychees
- Strawberries
- Oranges
Vegetables
Veggies that are rich with Vitamin A help keep your teeth clean. They also help build up your enamel which is an extremely important part of protecting your teeth. Vitamin A can be found in:
- Sweet potatoes
- Kale
- Carrots
- Sweet red peppers
- Spinach
Protein
Eating lean protein helps your body get the phosphorous it needs to protect your enamel properly. Protein foods that contain phosphorus include:
- Fish
- Eggs
- Lean cuts of meat
- Nuts
- Beans
Water
Drinking water is essential! Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also keeps your saliva supply normal. If it runs low, dry mouth can occur which raises your risks of tooth decay. If you’re the type of person who struggles with drinking water habitually, try these three ideas:
- Get a good water bottle that you can carry around with you.
- Infuse your water with fruit the day before.
- Eater water-enriched foods like cucumber and watermelon
Share This Info!
Did you find this information helpful? Make sure to share this post on social media so your friends and followers can start helping their children make good dietary decisions and keep their teeth strong! If you’d like to make an appointment with us, click the button below.
