As part of Children's Dental Health Month, our school's kitchen, in collaboration with the school nurse, will host the first-ever Dental Health Day on 11 February. The menu will feature foods that contribute to maintaining healthy teeth.
Foods That Support Dental Health
Certain foods and ingredients can promote strong and healthy teeth, such as:
- Chicken – Rich in protein, it helps strengthen tooth enamel.
- Apple acts as a natural toothbrush, stimulating saliva production, neutralizing acids and helping remove food particles.
- Cheese – Contains calcium and phosphorus, supporting the remineralization of teeth and strengthening enamel.
- Yoghurt – Contains probiotics that help maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities.
Foods That Can Harm Dental Health
We must also discuss foods that can negatively impact dental health if consumed frequently.
- Sugary foods and drinks (candies, sugary sodas, fruit juices) – Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, producing acids that damage enamel and cause cavities.
- Acidic foods and drinks (citrus fruits, pickled vegetables, carbonated beverages) – Their acidic nature weakens tooth enamel, making teeth sensitive and vulnerable.
- Starchy foods (white bread, chips, pastries) – These foods easily stick to teeth and break into sugar, promoting bacterial growth.
- Sticky foods (dried fruits, caramel candies) – Hard to remove from teeth; they stay in contact with the surface for a long time, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Extremely cold or hot foods and drinks – Sudden temperature changes can make teeth sensitive and, over time, lead to enamel cracks.
Proper Brushing Is Essential!
In addition to a healthy diet, proper brushing is crucial for maintaining dental health. It's essential to:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily, in the morning and at night.
- Avoid rinsing your mouth forcefully after brushing so the fluoride in toothpaste can continue to protect your teeth.
- Use dental floss to remove plaque from between teeth.
- Brush for at least two minutes, using circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces thoroughly.
With this initiative, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition and proper oral hygiene in keeping our teeth healthy!
Niké Györki
Dietitian
