From sugary foods to sticky sweets, parents are constantly keeping an eye on what their child eats. However, there are certain foods that would surprise parents and approved by your pediatric dentist to be a great addition to your child’s oral health routine. Check out Pediatric Dentistry Kahala’s 5 surprising foods that will strengthen and protect your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth.

5 Foods That Are Approved By Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist

1. Salmon

As a strong source of Vitamin D and calcium, Salmon helps your body absorb calcium using Vitamin D so your child can have a strong, healthy set of teeth and jaw. Try serving creamy garlic salmon piccata or salmon nuggets for dinner this week!

2. Onions

Raw onion has been shown to provide antibacterial sulphur compounds that help kill bad bacteria on teeth. If your child has an adventurous palate, try introducing them to raw onion by finely dicing it into dips, sandwiches or burgers, leafy greens, and recipes like chicken salad.

3. Raisins

Unlike the harmful effects of table sugar, or sucrose, raisins produce their own natural sweetener that is manageable for teeth. Table sugar increases the bad bacteria in your mouth to increase that will eventually stick to your teeth and plaque to form. Be mindful that these naturally sweet snacks have a tendency of getting stuck in between teeth, and pediatric dentists reminds parents to make sure your child is brushing and flossing regularly.

4. Yams

When Thanksgiving rolls around, be sure you’re serving a warm dish of yams for your children to enjoy. Apart of the same family as sweet potatoes, yams are loaded gum-healthy nutrients like Vitamin A, which keeps saliva flowing to clean away bacteria, and Vitamin C, which strengthens gums and prevents you from losing teeth. However, a sugar-loaded casserole of sweet potato casserole with marshmallows can actually do more damage to your teeth than good.

5. Eggs

Eggs offer both Vitamin D and iron when consumed. With Vitamin D, your child will be able to absorb, carry, and deposit calcium needed for a strong set of teeth and jaw, and with iron, your child can fight off oral infections and gum disease. Try adding a hard-boiled egg to your child’s lunch box to ensure they are getting a yummy source of calcium.

Take the stress out of visiting your pediatric dentist and visit the friendly staff at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala in Honolulu, HI. As one of the only nonsedation dentists on the island, patients from their local community and other islands seek out Dr. Allen K. Hirai’s professional services and 24 years of experience. Give your child the best oral care attention and latest technology to keep their smile bright and happy. For more information about their kid dentistry services, contact them by calling (808) 737-0076 or visiting them online.