St. Patrick’s Day is a good excuse to load up on green foods, and it turns out, quite a few of them are genuinely great for kids’ teeth. Plus, there are many healthier options than green sugar cookies, green-frosted cupcakes, shamrock-themed milkshakes, or other festive treats! Here are a few naturally green options that both you and your child’s smile can benefit from eating.
Granny Smith Apples
Granny Smith apples are one of the better snacks your child can reach for, since they contain vitamins A, C, and K, which support healthy gum tissue, help prevent dry mouth, and contribute to jawbone strength. The crunch of biting into an apple also helps to scrub the surfaces of the teeth, clearing away plaque between brushings.
Celery
Celery is high in water content and has a fibrous texture that stimulates the gums and helps clean teeth as you chew. It also delivers vitamins C, B9, and K, all of which play a role in gum health and tissue repair. If plain celery isn’t doing it for your kiddo, it pairs very well with hummus, cream cheese, or peanut butter!
Avocado
Low in sugar and packed with over 20 different vitamins and minerals, avocado is one of the better options for kids’ overall health, including oral health. It can also be served in a lot of ways, including spread over a slice of bread, with a full-blown sandwich, or as a simple dip. It’s also got a great flavor that kids will love just as much as adults.
Broccoli
Both raw broccoli and cooked broccoli have specific benefits for dental health. The texture of raw broccoli provides a gentle form of cleaning for tooth surfaces—plus some children prefer to eat it raw and paired with a dip, like cheese. However, if your child prefers cooked broccoli, that’s fine too, since they’ll still be getting a large dose of vitamin C, which in turn protects them from gum disease.
Have Your Child Pass on Artificially-Green Foods
Green-colored candies, like lollipops and sticky gummies, as well as heavily sugared green drinks and treats, are some of the hardest things on young enamel. The green dye itself isn’t the problem, but rather, it’s the sugar and acid that tend to come along with these items. If your kids do indulge, a glass of water and a toothbrush before bed go a long way!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served families in Nashua and the surrounding area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy and Dr. Sadaf Mostafavian. We offer a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, including routine checkups and cleanings, emergency dentistry, sedation dentistry, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule a visit for your child, you can call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (603) 880-5002.