2 Tasty Toddler Recipes That Support Healthy Bright Teeth
Posted on: 9 January 2016
In addition to taking your toddler to the dentist on a regular basis for checkups and cleanings, it's important to instill healthy lifestyle habits at home that help keep teeth healthy and bright between professional visits. A great way to do this is to simply introduce tasty recipes your toddler can enjoy on a daily basis that support optimal dental health. Here are two easy recipes to consider implementing into your own household:
Raisin Confetti
Raisins induce saliva production when eaten, which naturally rinses away plaque and helps keep teeth clean between brushings. The crunch of celery and bell peppers also help scrub away plaque, and when combined with raisins, these veggies make for a healthy snack that's easy to make and fun to eat. Here's what you need to make a batch of raisin confetti:
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup chopped red or yellow bell pepper
- 1 stalk celery, chopped into small pieces
- 1 pitted date, diced into tiny pieces
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 fresh mint leaves, chopped
Put everything but the lemon juice and mint leaves in a sealable container, put the lid on, and shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds until everything is thoroughly combined. Take the lid off the container and add the lemon juice and mint leaves. Use a spoon to lightly stir the lemon and mint into the other ingredients until everything is well-coated. Serve immediately, and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Berry Toothpaste
The natural sweetness of strawberries tends to attract most toddlers, and they happen to be full of malic acid which whitens tooth enamel to help make maintaining a bright smile easy. Making your own homemade toothpaste for occasional use at home is sure to encourage your toddler to make time for brushing while at the same time helping to ensure optimal ongoing dental health. To make your own simple yet tasty berry toothpaste you'll need:
- 2 fresh or frozen strawberries (if frozen, let them thaw before using)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp water
Place all of your ingredients in a small bowl and use a fork to mash it all together until well-combined and creamy. Use the paste as you would commercial toothpaste, but try to get your toddler to leave the paste on their teeth for a few minutes before rinsing and flossing.
These recipes should be easy to implement into your everyday lifestyle – you may want to make double batches because the whole family will likely enjoy them! Contact a general dentist for more information and tips.
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