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.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
- Choose more leafy greens, cucumber, celery, baby carrots, watermelon, pear, berries
- Limit dried fruits, juices
- 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 🙄 )
- Eat Calcium-rich foods
- Fortified unsweetened plant milks, leafy greens, broccoli, sesame seeds, plain greek yogurt, bok choy, calcium-set tofu, pumpkin seeds
- Eat Magnesium-rich foods
- Leafy greens, sprouted nuts, seeds, avocados, plain greek yogurt
- Eat Phosphorus-rich foods * ?
- Eggs, plain greek yogurt, beans, lentils, sprouted nuts and seeds
- Choose healthy carbs
- Sweet potato, pumpkin, quinoa, sprouted grain bread
- Drink tap water
- Avoid soda, juices, sweetened ice tea
- 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
- Avoid frequent snacking
- 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.
