Valentine's Day - Time to Think About Your Kid's Teeth and Gums!

Valentine's Day is so sweet and fun. I love this day and so do kids. CANDY front and center! Any day that revolves around love and candy is a sure winner with kids. Today kids send
e-valentines to their friends instead of making those fun, collaged valentine shoe boxes.

Just like sending valentines, going to the dentist has gotten more user friendly. However, most kids still don't look forward to their yearly checkups. As essential as these health checks are, what your child eats between visits is the most important part of building healthy teeth and gums.

In addition to brushing and flossing, the vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients in a healthful diet protect teeth from decay and keep gums healthy and tight.

The Main Culprit
We all know that sucrose or sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay, but not the only cause. Did you know that in addition to sugary foods like cookies, candies, and sodas, starchy foods (like refined bread and cereal) also play a part in tooth decay? When starches mix with an enzyme in the saliva called amylase, the result is an acid bath that breaks down tooth enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to decay. The longer the foods linger in the mouth, the acid bath is prolonged and the damage greater. That is why your mom always told you to brush your teeth after eating!

Dried fruit and juices can also be problematic. While we usually think of these as healthy foods and beverages, both their high sugar content (think stickiness) and their high acid content make them contributors to tooth decay.

Unlike dried fruit and juice, fresh fruit protects your teeth. Fresh fruit, especially apples, are a good choice. Although sweet and acidic, the increased chewing required when eating fresh fruit (and vegetables) stimulates saliva flow. Saliva flow decreases mouth acidity and washes away food particles. Now you know why apples are called "nature's toothbrush." They not only stimulate the gums but also increase saliva flow and reduce the build-up of cavity causing bacteria.

Gum Disease
More teeth are lost through gum disease than decay. Poor diet, meaning a highly refined diet, alcoholism, and certain medications all contribute to poor gums. Poor hygiene and not flossing can lead to bleeding gums, but lack of Vitamin C can also be a cause. Fresh fruit and vegetables are your best source of Vitamin C.

Munching on hard fibrous food such as carrots, celery, seeds and nuts, and whole grains all help stimulate the gums.

Healthy Snacks that Don't Attack
Think fresh fruit and veggies, whole grains, beans and other lean protein, and healthy fats:

• Cut up veggies with hummus or guacamole


• Cup of tea - Tea is good for your teeth because it contains fluoride. (If you are concerned about the pigments staining your teeth, you can drink tea through a straw!)


• Fresh fruit with natural peanut butter


• Cabot fat-reduced cheddar cheese with whole grain crackers or fresh fruit


• Plain low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts


• Whole grain pretzels dipped in spicy mustard


• Turkey slices wrapped around asparagus or roasted red pepper and avocado slices


• Hormone free turkey or buffalo jerky

Remember you can also protect your teeth by ending meals with foods that do not promote cavities or may even protect them. Aged cheeses help prevent cavities if consumed at the end of a meal. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the flow of saliva which decreases acid and flushes out food particles. Rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after eating are also good strategies to prevent cavities.

A bright smile is usually a good indication of a healthy diet.

For more articles and resources about "Nutrition for Healthy Teeth and Gums," visit the Washington FAMILY Magazine web site - www.washingtonFAMILY.com.