The food your child eats can affect their smile. If you are packing your child’s lunch, make sure to include some of these healthy snack foods to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy!

Apple Slices

Apples are unique in that they naturally clean teeth as they are eaten by scrubbing your teeth, tongue and gums, removing plaque due to their texture. Natural juice from apples can help remove surface stains from teeth and destroy residue buildup from the back of your tongue, making your breath fresher. Apple slices are a healthy dessert alternative for school lunches!

Yogurt & Cheese

Dairy products are high in calcium, which helps increase bone strength, including your teeth. Yogurt and cheese also include casein, a protein which prevents cavities and strengthens enamel. The healthy bacteria found in yogurt removes unhealthy bacteria that can lead to cavities. Adding a dairy product can raise your child’s calcium intake!

Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables, like apple slices, offer a healthy snack alternative to starchy, sugary snacks. Chips, cookies or crackers can cause buildup on your teeth that can eventually lead to cavities. A stick of celery can naturally clean your teeth as you munch on it!

Water

Swishing water in your mouth after eating dislodges any stuck debris between teeth and begins to remove any buildup that can lead to enamel loss. Water increases your mouth’s resistance to acidic foods, unlike juice and soda. Water provides benefits to the rest of the body, from keeping you hydrated to keeping your skin healthy.

If you are concerned about your child’s teeth and how their diet may be affecting their smile, schedule an appointment with Lindner Dental today! We can be reached at 603.944.9196!