June is National Dairy Month, and at our pediatric dental office in Long Island, we all like to celebrate by enjoying a bit more cheese, drinking more milk, and snacking on ice cream cones. We not only like to celebrate by eating dairy products, we also like to take the opportunity to inform the parents of our pediatric patients about why dairy is important for kids’ smiles.
Whether it’s a stick of delicious string cheese, a cup of yummy yogurt, or a tall glass of cold milk, foods in the dairy section are healthy choices for your kid’s smile. Dairy products can actually help protect teeth from decay and keep a healthy pH level in mouths. They’re also high in calcium and phosphorus – two ingredients that get bones, and teeth, strong.
Calcium is important for strong, healthy teeth, and if a diet lacks this essential nutrient, teeth tend to be weak, easily loosened, and even easily broken. Phosphorus is also extremely important for proper cell function and strong teeth and bones. To help get your child enough calcium and phosphorus for strong smile, supplement lunches and snacks with foods like yogurt or cheese.
Not only can dairy foods help build strong teeth, they can also help fight cavities. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack actually stimulate the production of saliva, and since saliva helps protect our pearly whites from dangerous acids, these snacks can halt the development of cavities.
At our Long Island dental office, we’re big fans of getting smiles off to a strong and healthy start – and incorporating dairy into the diets of kids is one great way to do this. For more information about which foods are the best for your kid’s smile, give your Long Island pediatric dentist a call today!
