One of the many responsibilities of parenthood is instilling proper dental care habits with children to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. And while encouraging regular brushing and flossing is fundamental, providing a balanced diet is also key to good oral health.
“Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in supporting children’s oral and jaw health by supplying essential building blocks for strong teeth, gums, and bones,” says Priya Mistry, DDS, a Washington state-based dentist with expertise in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders (TMD) refer to any disfunction related to the muscles that surround and support the jaw as well as jaw joints.
Clean teeth, clean earth!
Taking care of your oral health requires using different dental products. While many of these are made of unstainable plastics, there are a number of eco-friendly options:
- Bamboo toothbrushes are made from biodegradable materials, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes.
- Toothpaste tablets eliminate the need for plastic tubes and often come in recyclable or compostable packaging.
- Silk and charcoal dental floss are made from natural materials, making them a biodegradable option that helps reduce plastic waste.
Children need to chew
According to Mistry, it’s important to introduce children to a variety of textures and consistencies in their diet —including hard and chewy foods —to help promote proper jaw development and overall oral health. “Chewing hard, nutrient-dense foods encourages jaw muscle development and proper jawbone growth, leading to adequate space for teeth to erupt straight,” says Mistry.
“Conversely, diets high in soft, processed foods may hinder jaw development, potentially leading to crowded, impacted teeth, and poor bite alignment,” she says. Other negative effects include breathing problems if the jawbone doesn’t develop properly to support the airway, and delayed speech development due to weak jaw muscles.
Smile supporting supplements
Say cheese! These vitamins can help keep your oral health in check:
|
vitamin A |
aids in the production of saliva and plays a role in maintaining healthy gums |
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vitamin C |
is essential for gum health; helps prevent bleeding gums and supports collagen synthesis in gums |
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vitamin D |
is important for tooth mineralization and has been associated with improved oral development |
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vitamin K2 |
directs calcium to bones and teeth; helps calcium bind to teeth to prevent tooth decay |
Top foods for oral health
“The best foods for strong teeth, bones, and gums are non-processed whole foods that require us to chew,” says Mistry. These include raw fruits and vegetables, like carrots, celery, apples, and pears. Nuts and seeds, like almonds, pistachios, and sunflower seeds, are also excellent options. Hearty breads, granola, and brown rice can help strengthen jaw muscles. Mistry adds that beef jerky and lean, organic meats require more chewing, too.
“As a mother of two, I understand how difficult it can be to get your kids to eat well and to eat foods that aren’t as interesting to them as mac and cheese or chicken nuggets,” says Mistry. When Mistry’s kids ask for something sweet, like a lollipop, she doesn’t say no—but she encourages them to eat something nutritious first, like a few apple slices, to help them build healthy habits.
Signs of jaw or bite issues
“Your jaw joints are the most used joints in your body, they are working every time you speak, chew, swallow, or even breathe,” says Mistry. She notes that parents should pay close attention to their children’s jaw development as they grow, as identifying issues early can play a key role in maintaining both oral and overall health.
Some of the telltale signs of jaw problems, according to Mistry, are teeth grinding, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, snoring, or sleeping with the mouth open. Pain in the head or ears is also a sign.
Home remedies that she recommends include ice or heat application, soft foods, and avoiding chewing gum to help manage discomfort. Gentle self-massage on the neck and jaw are also helpful. But if pain persists, it’s best to get in with an expert like Mistry.
When it comes down to it, pairing healthy eating with consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups offers children the best chance at maintaining good oral and jaw health, and happy smiles throughout their lives.
This article was originally published in the September 2025 issue of alive magazine.
