10 Healthy Snacks for Strong Teeth 

Small children and toddlers are more prone to cavities these days, and one reason is the type of food they eat and a lack of oral hygiene. They have a higher number of holes at a younger age due to their consumption of junk food and sugary foods, which leads to weakened teeth and negatively impacts their overall oral health. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind to help your child’s teeth become more robust and less prone to cavities. Make your children eat three types of foods – foods that are our teeth’ building blocks, such as milk products, foods that act as cleansing agents, such as fruits, and foods that protect them by altering the pH level. 

The most efficient way to avoid cavities in children is to include a variety of natural and whole foods in their diet, such as fruits, vegetables such as carrots, beets, and cucumbers, whole grains such as brown rice, oats and sprouts, pulses, and so on,’ says nutritionist Neha Chandna. 

Here are some foods that can help you avoid cavities. 

Cheese: 
It is known to raise the pH level of the mouth, which inhibits bacterial growth. It is an alkaline food ingredient that forms an alkaline film around the teeth, preventing Decay. Cheese has been shown in studies to prevent tooth demineralization and cavity formation. After meals, have one small piece of cheese (especially dinner). It is preferable to eat a slice of cheese raw rather than with bread, as bread is high in carbs and can cause tooth decay. 

Raisins: 
Raisins’ polyphenols and flavonoids aid in the fight against bacteria and the prevention of Decay. Raisins are also known to help keep the gums healthy. Though raisins are good for teeth, they can also be sticky, so make sure your child brushes their teeth after eating them. 

Fish and poultry: 
Packed with proteins, minerals, and vitamins, fish, and poultry not only prevent pH drops but also promote mineralization and tooth health. Fish and poultry can be incorporated into sausages, sandwiches, and rolls, among other things. 

Fiber-rich foods:  
Foods high in fiber or roughage are beneficial to your teeth. Due to their high fiber content, they aid in the flow of saliva in the mouth, which reduces food lodgement in the teeth. Carrots are high in vitamin A, which aids in saliva antibody response. It contains carotenoids, which help to protect the teeth from cavities. Eat them raw or with a sprinkle of chaat masala. Cut them into cute shapes to make them appealing to children. 

Eggs:  
Eggs are a great source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and other necessary nutrients for tooth mineralization, making them one of the best foods to prevent caries. Eggs can be used in various ways, including half-baked, omelets, scrambles, egg sandwiches, egg rolls, and so on. 

Cashew nuts:  
Cashew nuts are small, high-energy foods. They are also high in magnesium and phosphorous, both of which are good for your teeth. Anacardic acid, found in cashews, kills bacteria and prevents tooth decay. A handful of raw cashew nuts every day can help keep your child’s teeth healthy. You can also combine them with raisins. 

Cinnamon:
has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria. Cinnamon powder, which has a strong flavor, can be sprinkled on toothpaste, or a few drops of cinnamon oil can be diluted in 34th glass of water and used for gargling. You can add cinnamon sticks to pulav and have your children chew on them after meals. 

Cocoa powder:  
This may come as a surprise, but cocoa inhibits the growth of microorganisms and reduces inflammation. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria and enzymes that cause tooth decay or the formation of cavities. The best way to consume cocoa powder is to mix it with milk, an excellent calcium source. 

Milk:  
Milk is an excellent choice for preventing tooth decay in children. Milk keeps the mouth’s pH from dropping, but it is also high in calcium, which is necessary for tooth mineralization. According to the National Institute of Nutrition in India, each child should consume approximately 300 mL of milk per day. Parents should exercise caution when adding simple carbohydrates to milk, such as sugar or energy powders, as these simple carbohydrates tend to increase dental Decay. You can sweeten milk naturally by adding oats, cereals, or fruits, or honey. 

Sugar-free chewing gum:  
Chewing gum increases saliva production, which protects our teeth by washing away food particles that have become stuck. They contain xylitol, which is known to fight bacteria and also prevents food from becoming lodged in the teeth. Chewing gum after a meal can help your child’s oral hygiene. Make sure to get a sugar-free chewing gum.  

Make sure your child chews his food rather than simply swallowing it. Biting improves gum health, removes plaque from the teeth, and aids in mouth cleaning. This reduces the likelihood of a bacterial attack on the teeth.It is critical that children gargle before and after every meal. If you must give them fizzy drinks, ask them to use a straw to protect their teeth’ enamel from acidic damage.

Foods containing fermentable carbohydrates that, when in contact with microorganisms, reduce salivary pH to 5.5 or less, promoting dental caries. So, instead of junk food, include protein-rich foods in your child’s diet.You can give your children ice cream, but plain flavours in a cup are preferable to cone flavours with chocolate chips, etc., as these can get stuck in their teeth and cause harm.Giving them berries because they naturally whiten teeth. Whatever they eat, make sure they brush their teeth after each meal to avoid cavities.