Just like a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, fun-flavored dental products and clever food choices get kids excited to care for their teeth.
Taking care of kids’ teeth doesn’t have to be boring. It can be an adventure full of fun flavors — and we’re not just talking about mint toothpaste.
How about apple, strawberry, chocolate, or bubble gum flavors instead? That’s more like it.
When it comes to dental care, kids have a sweet tooth. Researchers in a 2020 study found that most children prefer fruity and sweet flavors in their toothpaste, not mint.
But fun-flavored toothpaste is just one clever cavity-fighting trick parents have up their sleeves. These seven yummy ideas will help your child feel excited about taking care of their teeth, so they can have a healthy smile for life.
Fresh fruit contains lots of water and fiber. That can help keep teeth clean and strong. Many fruits also have vitamins A and C, which are good for teeth and gums.
Raw apples and pears are extra good for teeth. That’s because they’re hard and crunchy, and that helps clean teeth. Turns out chewing hard fruits and veggies (more on these foods later) is a good exercise for your gums. The action helps churn out saliva, which is the mouth’s natural cleanser.
These fruits are also low in acid, which means stronger teeth. (Acidic foods and drinks can wear away the protective surface of your teeth.)
Next time you offer your child a juicy apple, remember that you’re doing their teeth a favor with every bite.
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Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can help keep teeth healthy. It works a little like fluoride, because it makes it more difficult for bads bacteria to grow on your teeth. (Bacteria is the stuff that gives you cavities.) But it also helps strengthen teeth.
“Xylitol is awesome,” says Scott Sachs, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist in Norfolk, Virginia, who is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. “Research shows that using xylitol and fluoride together is a healthy combination for your teeth.”
Try giving kids xylitol gum, lollipops, gummies, mints, or lozenges in between or after meals. You can even try xylitol tooth wipes for babies.
Just like apples and pears, many fresh veggies are natural teeth-cleaners. They help get rid of bacteria. They also have nutrients (like vitamin C) that help keep teeth strong.
Of all the veggies, the best ones for teeth are celery and carrots. They’re both crunchy and hydrating. Carrots have nutrients like calcium and keratin that help make teeth strong.
Kids might not always get excited when you offer them veggies. But the benefits are worth it.
Most kids have a sweet tooth when it comes to toothpaste. That’s okay!
“Kids often don’t want to use adult toothpaste because of the mint flavor,” says Dr. Sachs. “People often ask me what kind of toothpaste their kids should use. As long as it’s a kids’ toothpaste that’s sugar-free, and your kid likes it, it doesn’t matter to me.”
There are tons of fun toothpaste flavors out there — strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, or even bubble gum toothpaste. Give them options and let them choose.
Just make sure it doesn’t have sugar in it, says Dr. Sachs.
Learn how to put an end to brushing battles here.
Dentists say kids age 6 and older should use mouth rinse. It’s an easy way to keep their whole mouth healthy. It can help kill bad bacteria, keep gums healthy, and stop cavities from forming.
Look for products that have fluoride — but no alcohol. “Kids fluoride rinse has about a quarter of the concentration of fluoride that’s in toothpaste, so it’s safe if they accidentally swallow some,” says Dr. Sachs.
(Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash. It burns and isn’t safe for kids to swallow.)
The best part? Kids mouth rinse comes in fun flavors, like pineapple, watermelon, and bubble gum. Score!
Calcium is an important nutrient that keeps teeth healthy and strong. Kids can get it from dairy foods such as cheese, milk, and yogurt.
Bonus: On top of keeping teeth healthy, calcium will also support your kids’ bones, muscles, and nerves. They’re growing fast, and a healthy diet keeps their whole body strong.
If your child is lactose intolerant, there are lots of other ways for them to get calcium. Try offering them calcium-rich leafy greens, almonds, beans, eggs, or hummus.
Protein is another important nutrient that keeps teeth healthy. Protein keeps the hard outer layer of teeth (enamel) strong.
Make sure your child is getting enough protein by offering plenty of lean meat, poultry, fish, milk, and eggs. They can also get protein from beans, tofu, grains, nuts, and seeds.
One final tip: Follow their lead. It’s perfectly normal for kids’ tastes and preferences to change. Give each of these tips a try and stick with what keeps your kids smiling.
You can pat yourself on the back knowing that you’re helping your kids learn a healthy lifetime habit.
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