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Many of us have heard that there are foods that protect our bones, but you may not know that there are foods and beverages that play an important role in keeping our teeth and gums healthy too.

TEETH-FRIENDLY FOODS

Foods that are high in calcium help to make teeth strong by protecting tooth enamel. Here are some foods that are high in calcium: 

• Dairy milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Canned salmon or other canned fish (with bones)
• Almonds
• Some dark green leafy vegetables

Foods containing Phosphorus also help to make our teeth strong by protecting the tooth enamel. Foods that are high in phosphorus include: 

• Eggs
• Fish
• Meat
• Poultry
• Dairy foods
• Beans such as chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, soy beans
• Nuts

Vitamin C containing foods help to keep gums healthy. Look for the following foods with Vitamin C:

• Citrus fruits 
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Kiwi
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Potatoes

Drinking enough liquid helps to stimulate the flow of saliva. Give the drinks a try:

• Water
• Milk
• Fruit 
• Vegetables

EATING HABITS THAT PROMOTE GOOD ORAL HEALTH

Eating constantly throughout the day, especially snacks that have a lot of carbohydrates such as chips, pretzels, cookies, and candy can cause tooth decay.  This is why it is important to make the most of meals to minimize the hunger between meals and the need for in-between-meal snacking. MOO’V™ is a great option as it provides protein to help kids feel fuller longer between meals, and because it is whole milk, it is also a great source of calcium and phosphorus. Some great ideas for smart snacking include:

• A banana with peanut butter
• Veggies with bean dip
• A smoothie made with milk
• Yogurt dip and cut up fruit
• Cheese and crackers

So, what about sugar?

Let’s face it, foods that are sweet taste great. But too many sweets are not great for the teeth. When we talk about sugar and teeth health, not all sugars are created equal. Dairy, fruit, vegetables and grains all contain sugar but are high in nutritional value. On the other hand, soda, fruit drinks, desserts, candy and even savory snacks can increase the risk of tooth decay and should be limited. When they are eaten, it should be as part of a meal and not by themselves. 

When it comes to your kid’s teeth and gum health, help them choose wisely from in the refrigerator and on the pantry shelf. Grabbing MOO’V™ is a great way to provide kids a delicious flavor to savor while also providing the fluid, protein, and minerals that are important for bones and teeth.

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, CSSD, LDN, is the Dietary & Nutrition Strategic Advisor at Dari^® and MOO’V™ milk. With over two decades of experience, she is an expert in nutrition with many of Leslie’s blog posts center around active eating and fueling for sport. She is the Head Nutritionist for the Kansas City Chiefs and has been a consulting sports dietitian in the NFL, MLB, and NHL, and worked with Olympic athletes. Bonci has co-authored three books with an active eating focus, is a blogger for US News Eat + Run, and is a sought-after expert for television, radio, print and online media, Bonci speaks regularly on topics including “sciensationalism,” “fuels of engagement” and “communication with conviction” to help influencers and consumers debunk the junk and separate fact from fallacy.