February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM).  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cavities remain the most common chronic disease faced by school-aged children and adolescents. In addition to brushing 💡 at least twice a day and flossing daily, here are 10 ways to maintain good oral health through proper nutrition and lifestyle.

1. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
   • Choose more leafy greens, cucumber, celery, baby carrots, watermelon, pear, berries
   • Limit dried fruits, juices
2. Maximize your sunshine vitamin D
   • 10-15 minutes of daily sun exposure during the summer
   • Up your vitamin-D rich foods (mushrooms, fortified unsweetened almond milk, oysters, egg yolks). (See Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Recipe 🙄 )
3. Eat Calcium-rich foods
   • Fortified unsweetened plant milks, leafy greens, broccoli, sesame seeds, plain greek yogurt, bok choy, calcium-set tofu, pumpkin seeds
4. Eat Magnesium-rich foods
   • Leafy greens, sprouted nuts, seeds, avocados, plain greek yogurt
5. Eat Phosphorus-rich foods * ?
   • Eggs, plain greek yogurt, beans, lentils, sprouted nuts and seeds
6. Choose healthy carbs
   • Sweet potato, pumpkin, quinoa, sprouted grain bread
7. Drink tap water
   • Avoid soda, juices, sweetened ice tea
8. Avoid processed sugar
   • Such as jelly beans, cough drops, caramels, mints, sugary flavored yogurt, sugary cereals, snack bars/pasta sauce/ketchup/salad dressing with added sugar
9. Avoid frequent snacking
10. Visit your dentist every 6 months

💡 Make your Homemade Toothpaste by combining:

• 3 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil
• 2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon of Peppermint Oil

*? If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may be advised to limit your phosphorus intake. Reach out to me to tailor your diet to meet your specific needs.