Peek-a-boo! The little ones’ adorable teeth are finally making their way in. Whether they are in the early stages of teething or all their teeth have made their debut, it’s important to start teaching and practicing good dental habits from a young age. Your child’s teeth are still delicate and need the proper nutrients to support their journey towards better oral health. Setting up a good foundation not only supports their teeth development but also jaw, speech and ability to eat. Let’s jump into the essential nutrients your little ones need for a healthy, toothy smile and ways to incorporate them into their lifestyle.
Why is oral health important?
Although baby teeth will eventually fall out and get replaced by adult teeth, it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene early for a few reasons.
Cavity prevention
Our teeth have a protective layer on the outside called enamel that helps prevent cavities and erosion. Because baby teeth aren’t fully developed yet, the enamel is thinner and prone to cavities. If you’ve ever experienced a cavity, you’ll know that it’s not a pleasant experience. The tooth becomes more sensitive and the pain can make it unbearable to eat or sleep. Ouch!
Growth foundation
Baby teeth play a vital role in your child’s growth and development of their dental health. Since they are the first to surface, they pave the way for the oncoming adult teeth. If a baby tooth is removed earlier than expected due to decay or an infection, it can cause their teeth to shift into the empty space. A healthy set of teeth is also critical in their daily lives as they’re just beginning to eat solid foods that fuel healthy growth.
Speech development
Taking care of your child’s teeth also supports their speech development, especially during these early stages of learning how to talk. When we speak, we use all parts of our mouths to communicate certain sounds clearly. Take a moment and try making the /s/ sound. You’ll notice that you use your teeth!
There are many ways you can support your child’s dental health. By incorporating nutrients that support the teeth into their diet and maintaining an oral care routine, these lifestyle adjustments will encourage a bright, healthy smile ahead.
How to incorporate nutrients into your child’s diet
Let’s go over five of the many key nutrients that contribute to the growth and protection of our teeth. We know that kids can be picky eaters sometimes, so incorporating these vitamins and minerals in ways they’ll enjoy can help ensure your kids get all the nutrients they need.
Calcium
We often hear that milk supports the growth of our bones and that’s because it’s rich in calcium. Along with our bones, it also supports the structure of our teeth and strengthens the enamel to prevent cavities and tooth loss. Besides milk, cheese, yogurt and leafy greens are also rich in calcium. If you’re looking to increase your child’s calcium intake, it could be as simple as adding their favourite fruit yogurt to their lunch!
Phosphorus
While calcium supports the structure of teeth, when it’s combined with phosphorus, these benefits are maximized for stronger protection. This mineral can also be found in dairy products, along with other sources like meats, seafood, and whole grains. The next time your child requests the childhood classic grilled cheese sandwich, swap in some whole wheat bread for an extra source of phosphorus for healthy teeth!
Vitamin D3
When your kids spend their days outdoors, they’re also strengthening their teeth. Vitamin D helps our body’s ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus to protect the enamel. One of our main sources of vitamin D comes from sunlight which the kids get ample of during days at the park! However, on rainy or cold winter days, it’s more difficult to get the vitamin D they need. The good news is, fatty fish like salmon or egg yolks contain high amounts of vitamin D. If these foods aren’t favourites, supplements like Orange Naturals’ Kids D3 Drops offer a kid-sized dose of 400IU in every drop.
Magnesium
Beyond protecting the teeth from erosion, magnesium also supports overall oral health. Magnesium has been shown to fight inflammation which helps decrease the risk of gum disease. This bacteria infection can cause the gums to become swollen and bleed, causing pain and discomfort. You can find magnesium in foods like dark leafy greens, almonds, bananas and dark chocolate. Try swapping your little one’s after-school treat to dark chocolate-covered almonds or banana slices. For a little more support, our Kids Magnesium Chewables contain 50mg of magnesium per chewable tablet and taste like tangerine for even the pickiest eaters to enjoy.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral and antioxidant that protects the teeth against bacteria and supports gum health. When we eat, our saliva mixes with the food and leaves a layer of film called plaque. We typically remove it by brushing our teeth but when it’s not effectively cleaned, it can cause cavities or infections. You’ll often find zinc in your toothpaste and mouthwash for this reason! You can increase your child’s intake of zinc through meat, shellfish or chickpeas. If you’re looking for an extra boost for your kids, Orange Naturals’ Kids Zinc + C Chewables packs 12mg of zinc and 100mg of vitamin C to combat inflammation together. Plus, it comes in a sweet orange flavour that they’ll love like a kid in a candy shop.
If you’re looking to introduce new supplements into your child’s routine, speak with a healthcare professional for their opinion.
Additional ways to support growing teeth
Ensuring that the little ones maintain oral hygiene habits is equally as important as getting the proper nutrients they need. Keeping their teeth clean keeps the plaque and gum disease at bay and prevents them from experiencing pain or discomfort. If your child is drinking milk before bed, the sugars from the milk sit on their teeth overnight and can lead to decay. In the early stages, you can wipe their teeth with a gentle cloth and slowly build up to using a toothbrush as they grow. To ensure your child is on the right track to healthy teeth, it’s encouraged they make regular visits to the dentist for semi-annual checkups and catch any potential issues early on.
It’s important to take care of your child’s oral health as soon as they begin to develop their baby teeth as it creates a foundation for their future. Beyond just keeping them clean with daily brushing, the little ones need the proper nutrients to support the growth and strength of their teeth. And the best part of it all – you’ll get to see their beautiful smiles radiating!
Sources
Oral health for children
7 Non-Calcium, Vitamin-Rich Foods for Your Teeth
What to know about calcium deficiency and teeth
Does Vitamin D Influence Your Dental Health?
